Denial of rights to LGBTQI citizens is result of Tory/DUP pact

 Ógra Shinn Féin’s LGBTQI Officer, Niall Polland, has criticised the British government’s failure to address the denial of rights in the north as part of its LGBT Action Plan. This is another example of the Tories prioritising their toxic pact with the DUP over the outstanding rights issues.

Niall Polland said:

“This British government’s LGBT Action Plan provides no pathway to extend marriage equality to citizens here or to addressing the barriers faced by LGBTQI citizens in the north on a daily basis.

“It’s clear that, once again, the Tories have prioritised their toxic pact with the DUP over the need to address the continued denial of rights in the north.

“A majority of people in the north support marriage equality, both within the assembly and in wider society. The right of citizens to marry the person that they love is being blocked by the DUP facilitated by the British government.

“Clearly there are welcome moves for citizens in England such as plans to end the so-called ‘conversion therapies’ - however, none of these benefits extend to citizens here and that is unacceptable.

“The two governments have a responsibility to deliver rights to citizens, in the absence of an Executive and Assembly, the upcoming meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference should be the vehicle to deal with the outstanding rights issues.”