MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

MOTION NO. 3

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

“That this committee agree the LGBTQ Pride flag is hung outside Clondalkin Civic office for the second anniversary of Marriage Equality on 22nd May and for the week of 19th – 25th June 2017 for Pride17 to show solidarity with all LGBTQ and especially all those struggling with their sexual identity.”

REPORT:

If the members vote in favour of the motion, arrangements will be made to display the LGBTQ Flag at Clondalkin Civic Offices on the 22nd May and for the duration of Pride Week in June.

My Response:

The people of Ireland voted in large numbers for Equality we have moved a long step away from the dark days of being LGBT in Ireland. We no longer have to hide and being Gay is no longer the love that dare not speak its name. When I was growing up it was hard to be gay in Ireland. In May 2015 Ireland made history. I am overjoyed that so many voted yes and delivered equality for a minority group in Ireland. Myself and my partner are over 18 years together and he has been my rock, my strength and my best friend.

As much as I am so overjoyed I also acknowledge that the struggle for civil rights in other parts of the world is ongoing and I give the shoulder of solidarity to my brothers and sisters in places like Russia and Uganda where the laws need to be changed. We also hear that At least 100 gay men have been rounded up and thrown in concentration camps in Chechnya – I am reminded of a large chilling sign outside a world war 2 concentration camp I visited years ago in Berlin that said ‘’It happened once it could happen again.’’

Also to Northern Ireland where my LGBT Family are not as equal in law as the rest of Ireland. I hope for a future Republic where no child has to hide their sexuality and where no person feels that suicide or self harm is there only option.

The LGBT Ireland Report identified barriers to good mental health, including bullying at school, fear of rejection and discrimination, harassment and violence and negative attitudes and stereotypes. The report shows higher levels of self-harm and suicidal behaviour among LGBT teenagers as well as worrying levels of severe and extremely severe stress, anxiety and depression

Having said that Ireland sent out a very clear message that all LGBT people are equal there is no room in our new society for homophobia or Transphobia. I am so delighted that the line in our proclamation that says ‘’cherish all the children of the nation equally’’ has become more of a reality. I am very proud to be Irish and Gay and very proud that we are the first country in the world to bring in same sex marriage by referendum. The people spoke and they said yes to Love and equality.

I Very much welcome that the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone launched a questionnaire which will inform Ireland’s national LGBT youth strategy on 12^th April , this I believe is a huge positive step, I believe having our Pride Flag flying proudly outside our civic office will be a huge positive symbolic statement of inclusion and acceptance of people for who they are.

Lastly On March 31, 2017 The Worldwide LGBT community lost Gilbert Baker who designed the Pride Flag he helped define the modern LGBT movement.

The Colours represent

I read the interim report and Listened to the Minister with some sadness and anger that no other Survivors would be included in the commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. It is a slap in the face for people like me and others who have campaigned on this issue. It is a slap in the face for all those who wrongly suffered and for all Survivors who died without seeing Truth and Justice. Survivors have to live every day with the memories and you don’t get your childhood back.

An apology that states ”these woman did nothing wrong” is the lease this state owes thousands of people who have to live with the ongoing effects and trauma of forced separation or forced adoptions etc. Theses where not homes but prisons where Malnutrition was rampant and some people endured Physical , Emotional and sexual abuse. I demand that this state apologise.

Redress for anyone effected is again a must , any redress that could help someone improve there life or/and deal with the pain must happen.

Full inclusion of everyone that was effected so a full social history of a very dark part in Irelands History is recorded and acknowledged.

A state memorial garden to the thousands that lived life’s dictated by a unforgiving church abetted and aided by a state that colluded to interfere in the state care of children and the judgement of un married mothers for generations.

Minister Zappone needs to Listen and she needs as Minister for Children to ensure that every survivor gets Truth and Justice.

These Woman did nothing wrong – Mary Timmons my mother did nothing wrong.

If elected, I will…

1)Change Ireland’s record on Violence Against Women

by strengthening legislation and resourcing frontline services and meeting the highest international standards including ratification and implementation of the recently signed Istanbul Convention.

2)Make early years education and childcare a priority

by increasing investment in affordable, accessible, quality, publicly subsidised early years care and education to OECD standards, delivering comprehensive out-of-school-hours childcare and continuing to strengthen family leave.

3)End the gender pay gap and deliver decent work for women

by supporting a living wage, legislating against precarious work, attaching social clauses on employment, equality and environmental standards to public spending and promoting gender balance in senior roles across all sectors.

4)Close the gender pension gap and recognise the contribution of care

by ensuring gender-proofing is at the heart of pension reform, working towards a universal pension and building a ‘care credit’ into our social protection system.

5) Make sure every budget delivers on equality

by gender-proofing of all local, departmental and national budgets and ensuring each budget strengthens equality, reduces poverty and makes our tax system more progressive.

6)Support reproductive rights and repeal of the 8th Amendment

by delivering a Referendum to remove the 8^th Amendment from our Constitution and bring Ireland in line with international Human Rights standards.

7)Strengthen social protection,training and employment supports

by increasing access to and availability of quality, flexible options in training, education and employment, gender-proofing social protection policies and recognising the importance of care.

8) Advance women’s leadership and participation in decision making – local and national

by introducing gender quotas in local elections, creating a woman-friendly Oireachtas and supporting achievement of a 40% target for women on boards.

9)Protect and invest in public services and ensure they serve

the needs of all women by increasing investment in quality public services and gender proofing of policies and practices in areas like health, housing and local government, making them more effective and responsive to the needs of all women.

10) Deliver a strong National Action Plan for Women’s Equality

by consulting widely to reflect the diversity of all women in Ireland and ensuring an all-of government approach with clear, ambitious, measurable, targets, resourcing and budget lines.

At last the LGBT community got Gay Marriage on the 16 November. The people of Ireland voted in large numbers for Equality we have moved a long step away from the dark days of being LGBT in Ireland. We no longer have to hide and being Gay is no longer the love that dare not be named. When I was growing up it was hard to be gay in Ireland. In May 2015 Ireland made history. I am overjoyed that so many voted yes and delivered equality for a minority group in Ireland. I proposed to my partner on the historic day and he said yes. I look forward to celebrating our life together with friends and family. We are over 16 years together and he has been my rock my strength and my best friend. I am delighted that we can now at last have that love recognized in civil marriage.

As much as I am so overjoyed I also acknowledge that the struggle for civil rights in other parts of the world is ongoing and I give the shoulder of solidarity to my brothers and sisters in places like Russia and Uganda where the laws need to be changed. Also to Northern Ireland where my LGBT Family are not as equal in law as the rest of Ireland. I hope for a future where no child has to hide their sexuality and where no person feels that suicide is there only option.

Ireland has sent out a very clear message that all LGBT people are equal there is no room in our new and equal society for homophobia. I am so delighted that as we approach 1916 the line in our proclamation that says ‘’cherish all the children of the nation equally’’ has become more of a reality. I am very proud to be Irish and very proud that we are the first country in the world to bring in same sex marriage by referendum. The people have spoken and they have said yes to Love and Yes to equality.

On 22nd May we voted in large numbers to say ‪#‎yesequality‬ Now lets support ‪#‎yeschildequality‬ and show support to single parents and help them fight the cuts to there allowances. Lets support People with Disabilities , Alyslum seekers , Travelers , Elderly and other disadvantaged groups.

The people of Ireland voted in large numbers for Equality we have moved a long step away from the dark days of being LGBT in Ireland. We no longer have to hide and being Gay is no longer the love that dare not be named. When I was growing up it was hard to be gay in Ireland. In May 2015 Ireland made history. I am overjoyed that so many voted yes and delivered equality for a minority group in Ireland. I proposed to my partner on the historic day and he said yes. I look forward to celebrating our life together with friends and family. We are over 16 years together and he has been my rock my strength and my best friend. I am delighted that we can now at last have that love recognized in civil marriage.

As much as I am so overjoyed I also acknowledge that the struggle for civil rights in other parts of the world is ongoing and I give the shoulder of solidarity to my brothers and sisters in places like Russia and Uganda where the laws need to be changed. Also to Northern Ireland where my LGBT Family are not as equal in law as the rest of Ireland. I hope for a future where no child has to hide their sexuality and where no person feels that suicide is there only option.

Ireland has sent out a very clear message that all LGBT people are equal there is no room in our new society for homophobia. I am so delighted that as we approach 1916 the line in our proclamation that says ‘’cherish all the children of the nation equally’’ has become more of a reality. I am very proud to be Irish and very proud that we are the first country in the world to bring in same sex marriage by referendum. The people have spoken and they have said yes to Love and equality.

The people of Ireland voted in large numbers for Equality we have moved a long step away from the dark days of being LGBT in Ireland. We no longer have to hide and being Gay is no longer the love that dare not be named. When I was growing up it was hard to be gay in Ireland. In May 2015 Ireland made history. I am overjoyed that so many voted yes and delivered equality for a minority group in Ireland. I proposed to my partner on the historic day and he said yes. I look forward to celebrating our life together with friends and family. We are over 16 years together and he has been my rock my strength and my best friend. I am delighted that we can now at last have that love recognized in civil marriage.
As much as I am so overjoyed I also acknowledge that the struggle for civil rights in other parts of the world is ongoing and I give the shoulder of solidarity to my brothers and sisters in places like Russia and Uganda where the laws need to be changed. Also to Northern Ireland where my LGBT Family are not as equal in law as the rest of Ireland. I hope for a future where no child has to hide their sexuality and where no person feels that suicide is there only option.
Ireland has sent out a very clear message that all LGBT people are equal there is no room in our new society for homophobia. I am so delighted that as we approach 1916 the line in our proclamation that says ‘’cherish all the children of the nation equally’’ has become more of a reality. I am very proud to be Irish and very proud that we are the first country in the world to bring in same sex marriage by referendum. The people have spoken and they have said yes to Love and equality.

Marriage Equality – Vote Yes on May 22nd  

I grew up in the 1970s and 80s at times it was a dark and lonely place to grow up as a Gay Man it was full of fear , anger and still under a society of catholic church rule. Homosexuality was a criminal act , it was a love that dare not speak its name. The expectations where that I would grow up get married and have kids or enter religious life. if I am to be honest I considered both but I wasn’t being true and honest to myself. over many years I had to listen to the church saying that homosexuality ”is a more or less strong tendency ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil; and thus the inclination itself must be seen as an objective disorder” That hurts me as a Human being and a gay man. In 1993 Homosexuality was decimalized. It is hard to believe 22 years ago I was a criminal in Ireland because of my Gender.  It took me a long time to come to terms with who I am , I was born this way. I now live with my partner for 16 years. I am elected as an Independent Councillor in the Clondalkin area and very involved in the area and the community. I am the same as everyone else I deserve the same rights , responsibilities and opportunities as everyone else. I am much more than just a Gay man I am a Human being an uncle , a brother , a partner , a cousin , a nephew etc. I contribute to society as an elected public representative and a social care worker. Every LGBT person deserves to be treated equally. Imagine the message that it would send out to the thousands of people that come out every year and others that are struggling to accept their sexuality that its ok to be Gay and you matter and you are equal. To the Thousands that grew up in a society that condemned them it would send out a clear message that we are all equal. This Referendum is about Civil Marriage and nothing more. It is not about church marriage. It is also not about surrogacy , adoption , fostering or parenting. The Children and Family relationship bill was passed this year and those issues are dealt with through that legislation. On May 22nd I ask that you vote yes , I ask that when I hear the result that I am as equal as all other adults in Ireland.  I am not asking for extra rights as a citizen just equal rights. As we approach the centenary of the 1916 rising and the proclamation I ask you to think on the line ”..Cherish all the children of the nation equally”. On May 22nd we have the ability to make this a reality for many gay Human beings like me and a Yes vote will give thousands more the same equality.

Cllr Timmons ”I will be supporting and campaigning for a yes vote for Marriage equality on May 22nd. From those I have talked to and canvassed so far the Yes vote is winning but there is no room for complacency. We need to get people out to vote and we need to start conversations that encourage the undecided to vote yes.  We need to get all the people to realise that the family and relationships bill already covers issues such as children and parenthood. This referendum is purely about civil marriage equality. Not about religious marriage, not about children or parenting, just equality, no more and no less. Yes Equality is campaigning for a Yes Vote I will join them on the canvass over the next few weeks.  ( https://www.facebook.com/yesequalitydublinmw ) I also appeal to people not to vote against this referendum due to wanting to vent anger at the government or other parties. All political parties have declared a YES vote position and if you believe in Equality vote yes.

http://www.votewithus.org/video/francis-timmons/

Its time to cherish all her children equally

Almost 100 years ago, the 1916 proclamation called on the Republic to cherish all her children equally, sadly this has not been the case for many. Many have been treated as lower classes these have included the Traveling community, disabilities and the LGBT community among others. We now have a chance to change the status qua and go another step of the ladder in Equality. I grew up in a time when it was illegal to be Gay, many hid their sexuality and many lived in fear. In 1982 Declan Flynn was murdered in Fairview Park , In 1983 David Norris took a case to the Supreme Court seeking to challenge the constitutionality of the Irish laws but was unsuccessful. In 1988 Norris took a case to the European Court of Human Rights to argue that Irish law was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. The court, in the case of Norris v. Ireland, ruled that the criminalization of male homosexuality in the Republic violated Article 8 of the Convention, which guarantees the right to privacy in personal affairs. Eventually Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1993 and Things have come a long way since. This is due on a large part to Norris, Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese all who were major early LGBT rights campaigners in Ireland. On the 22nd May we have a chance to add to the ethos of the Proclamation and show Ireland as an equal society where every citizen matters. I want a society that everyone is equal and I hope you will join me and vote yes for Marriage Equality on May 22^nd #sharethelove

Almost 100 years ago, the 1916 proclamation called on the Republic to cherish all her children equally, sadly this has not been the case for many. Many have been treated as lower classes these have included the Traveling community, disabilities and the LGBT community among others. We now have a chance to change the status qua and go another step of the ladder in Equality. I grew up in a time when it was illegal to be Gay, many hid their sexuality and many lived in fear. In 1982 Declan Flynn was murdered in Fairview Park , In 1983 David Norris took a case to the Supreme Court seeking to challenge the constitutionality of the Irish laws but was unsuccessful. In 1988 Norris took a case to the European Court of Human Rights to argue that Irish law was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. The court, in the case of Norris v. Ireland, ruled that the criminalisation of male homosexuality in the Republic violated Article 8 of the Convention, which guarantees the right to privacy in personal affairs. Eventually Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1993 and Things have come a long way since. This is due on a large part to Norris, Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese all who were major early LGBT rights campaigners in Ireland. On the 22nd May we have a chance to add to the ethos of the Proclamation and show Ireland as an equal society where every citizen matters. I want a society that everyone is equal and I hope you will join me and vote yes for Marriage Equality on May 22^nd #sharethelove