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“IRELAND IS A fantastic beacon of hope to other countries who are now what we were like in the 1980s and 1970s,” said Kieron Rose from the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN).
Following Saturday’s same-sex marraige referendum result, Ireland has hit the headlines around the world.
However, while many countries have same-sex marriage, many do not, and Ireland is being seen as a blueprint of how to forward the agenda in these countries.
Rose told TheJournal.ie that Saturday’s result “emphasises you can win a referendum like this. With determination you can deliver for your country”.
He said Ireland has sent out a hopeful message to other countries who are still struggling with inequalities for the LGBT community.
“There has been a hugely positive reaction from other countries, particularly in Eastern Europe,” he said.
ILGA
Brian Sheehan, co-director of the Yes Equality campaign said the world is watching Ireland, adding that representatives from the International lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex association (ILGA) are over in Dublin to see the campaign in action.
“All have been inspired by the scale of the involvement and the 1.2 million people who voted for this,” he said.
He said the countries such as Slovenia, Slovakia and Croatia are particularly keeping a close eye on events here, as they struggle to deal with marriage rights for gay people.
He said Poland is another key country taking a keen interest in Ireland, as it too is considered a “Catholic country” as Ireland often is.
Yesterday, Australia ruled out holding a referendum on gay marriage.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie, the director of ILGA, Evelyn Paradis said the vote has “struck the imagination of countries outside Ireland, that such deep social change in the hearts and minds took place yesterday – it was amazing to see”.
She said it is particularly strong that it is coming from Ireland, a country that many may not consider or be known for having progressed on social issues very quickly.
“Ireland is sending a real signal that change is possible.”
A game changer
Paradis said countries like Slovenia and Poland were particularly heartened by events in Ireland.
“I think it is going to be a real game changer for many countries in Europe.”
She commended the work of the Yes Equality campaign stating that they worked tirelessly to achieve their goal.
She said Ireland’s Yes campaign will be seen as a blue print for other nations on how to run a successful campaign.
“They really set the bench mark on how an equality campaign should be run. There have already been a number of requests from members of ILGA who want to hear more about how it all happened.”
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The Russians use the argument, that the crimean population is largely ethnically russian and crimea was always russian. Much like the excuse the British use for occupying the North. If only Coveney was so blunt about the occupation of part of our country by a foreign country.
@Welk wrangler: ““I am glad also to be part of the international community which has convened to co-ordinate efforts to resolve the long-standing issue of the illegal annexation of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol,” he said.”
A good bit late there Simon, Crimea was annexed 7 years ago, there is no resolving it now, it belongs to Russia, if you mean you are part of international community who is going to have a talking shop with junkets and expenses then yes, off you toddle.
@Welk wrangler: There is not foreign occupation of any part of our country. Northern Ireland not part of the Republic it is its own country. Only thing in common is the 2 countries share an island.
@Roy Dowling: Spoken like a true Fine Gaeler
@Roy Dowling: you’re totally wrong there. Ireland is Ireland and the six counties are occupied. It’s not British, it’s Irish soil, occupied by an Empire that is crumbling
@Michael Kehoe: Roy does not like to hear that . As West Brit as they come, our Roy
@Welk wrangler: I’m not sure that is factual. I maybe wrong but as far as I’m aware Crimea was part of Russia and was only given to Ukraine by President Nikita Khrushchev after the death of Stalin. Chances are most citizens are ethnic Russia.
@Michael Kehoe: does the good friday agreement state a recognition of two states
Excellent news!
Very misleading headline.
Surely it’s not Coveney that’s opening it.. its the Dept of Foreign Affairs that’s doing it and paying for it.
@Seoirse Ó Staighe: Incorrect- it is a political decision to open any embassy. The staff in the DoFA are civil servants and answer to the current minister.
Any chance he could forget about the PR stunts and answer a few questions here? FG have kept him out of the limelight for long enough.
@alan: Err- he is the minister for Foreign Affairs. The word ‘foreign’ is the clue there.
Why on earth are we opening an embassy in Ukraine?
Do we have significant trade, cultural or other links with this country? Greater than with many other countries?
If not then it’s just a snub to the Russians and to lick the boots of the US.
have your say