US no longer LGBT rights world leader, says Leo Varadkar

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the US is no longer a world leader in LGBT rights.

US no longer LGBT rights world leader, says Leo Varadkar

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the US is no longer a world leader in LGBT rights.

Mr Varadkar said he believed the majority of American people would agree with him, even if the Trump administration does not.

The Taoiseach made the comments during an interview at the South by South West festival in Austin, Texas.

Mr Varadkar said he would raise gay rights when he has a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump in the White House on Thursday.

"What I intend to say is that for the vast majority of people around the world including people from gay lesbian transgender backgrounds, we have always seen America as a beacon of freedom," the Taoiseach said.

"This is the land of the free, the home of the brave.

"This is where the LGBT rights movement began."

He added: "It is really tough to see a country that is built on freedom, and built on individual freedom somehow not being a world leader in that space anymore.

I actually think on this issue the majority of American people would agree with what I have to say, even if the administration doesn't.

Mr Varadkar added that he hoped America would one day take leadership in the area again.

- PA

READ MORE:

Read More:
Watch: Taoiseach meets Arnold Schwarzenegger in Austin

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Record level of children and adults in emergency accommodation Record level of children and adults in emergency accommodation
'Very high likelihood' of further cyberattacks on Irish IT systems 'Very high likelihood' of further cyberattacks on Irish IT systems
Pile or group of multi colored and different sizes of colourful foil wrapped chocolate easter eggs in pink, blue, and gold. Larg Young sisters donate hundreds of Easter eggs to children's hospital
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited