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Taking a stand against homophobia today, McAleese told her country comrades that it's their national, democratic duty to take on homophobia Celebrating and respecting diversity among young people is at the heart of this important forum. Homophobic bullying continues to be a society-wide issue, including in our schools and the link between it and suicide sends a clear message that this trend must be reversed. We just wet ourselves… |
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» Backup Plan.
"The head of the Church of Ireland has said if homosexuality is proven to be biologically predetermined then his church would have to allow gay unions. 'If such comes to be shown, it will be necessary to acknowledge the full implications of that new aspect of the truth,' said Archbishop Alan Harper." Well, that's almost as hopeful as the second coming. [BBC] |
» Repetitive.
"Ireland’s Catholic bishops have restated their opposition to gay marriage today, claiming that 'sexual differentiation is intrinsic to our understanding of the sacrament of marriage'. In a statement, the bishops said they had addressed the issue of the Christian theology of marriage at a meeting last week. 'In view of the current debate in our society about the nature of marriage, sometimes promoted by individuals or institutions who claim support from Christian ideals, the bishops reiterated that marriage presupposes the mutuality and complementarity of the sexes,' the statement said." [Irish Times] |
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We ask because of a story out of Ireland, where the High Court ruled that a gay sperm donor has no claim to the child he helped produce for a lesbian couple. In his ruling, Justice John Hedigan said that the lesbians should be considered a "de facto" family:
The ruling gives gay family rights a bit of a boost, but does it deprive the donor of his parental rights? |
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» Upswing
Those Irish sure are evolving on gay coupling! A recent survey shows that an estimated 84% of the nation's citizens support either same-sex marriage or partnerships. While that number reflects previous tallies, there's an estimated 7% increase on the side of marriage. [Belfast Telegraph] |
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» Fair?
Poet Cathal O'Searcaigh's love for Nepalese boys may cost him a place on University curriculum. [Independent] |
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» Above Reproach?
Did Irish poet and teenage sex waxer Cathal O Searcaigh get lenient treatment because he's gay? Journo Kevin Myers seems to think so. [Independent] |
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I just cannot fathom why people see the necessity to develop an apartheid in sport… It would be unacceptable to produce an all-black rugby team or an all-white team or an all-Chinese team. To me it's equally unacceptable to produce an all-homosexual rugby team and I find it remarkable that people who talk so much about inclusivity and about having an equal role in society would then go down the route of exclusion. Gay team founder Declan Lavery dismissed Poots' assessment: "When the club was set up it welcomed members regardless of their age, creed, religion, sexual orientation or whatever, and that's how it continues". See, Poots? You can play, too! |
» Irish Pupils Against Iran's Gay Executions
Ireland's national student association took a stand against Iran this weekend: "The Union of Students in Ireland has today called on the Iranian Government to halt the planned executions of Tayyeb Karimi and Yazdan who are both thought to be gay." The youth will reportedly be thrown from a cliff or another high place for their alleged "rape" of two other men. Gross… [UK Gay News] |
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Teen Mistook Woman For Gay Man
A teenager attacked a woman he mistook for a gay man because of her hairstyle, a court has heard. The teen then proceeded to beat the shit out the couple. The little prick blames his rage on booze. Quite a kid… |
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Gay Politician Not Pleased With Homophobic Statements
Statements like that shouldn't be made. They are totally unhelpful and hurtful to people. It shouldn't have been said. Yes, even more painful than calling pigeons "flying rats". |
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BBC Radio 1, Peter Tatchell Not Feeling The Holiday Spirit
BBC Radio 1 has said it will stand by its ban on the word "faggot" from the Pogues' 1987 Christmas hit Fairytale of New York to avoid offense. Listeners have had mixed reactions. While one gay fan described Radio 1's ban as "offensive," gay activist Peter Tatchell called Radio 2's full play "shameful". Bah humbug! |
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Woman Busts Boy's Balls For Discrimination
A Dublin promoter has apologised and made a donation to charity after a woman was turned away from a gay night because she is heterosexual. Discrimination doesn't pay, kids. |
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Employment Laws Restrict Partners
A growing number of Irish emigrants are being put off returning to Ireland — because they can't bring their gay partner with them. The European Union rarely offers work permit to non-EU residents, which means that foreigners must either have a hefty savings account or be willing to work the streets. |