People Before Profit - United Left Alliance

NATIONAL LESBIAN & GAY FEDERATION

Marriage Still a Burning Issue for Lesbian and Gay People – National Symposium

Marriage Matters for Lesbian and Gay People will be the burning issue of a national symposium to be held on Thursday, 7th May at The Westbury Hotel, Grafton Street, Dublin 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The symposium, which is being hosted by the National Lesbian and Gay Federation (NLFG), will explore the best route for change on lesbian and gay marriage, subsequent to the introduction of civil partnership legislation.

The symposium will hear from Professor Sheila Greene, co-founder and current director of the Children’s Research Unit, Trinity College, who will ask “Do Children Need Parents of Both Sexes?” (10 a.m.)

Among other guest speakers is Peter Thatchell, well known human rights activist and gay rights campaigner with London based OutRage who states that civil partnerships are sexual apartheid. (3 p.m.)

Above: Ailbhe Smyth

Alejandro Alder of the Spanish LGTB Federation will outline the campaign for equality in Spain where gay and lesbian marriage was legalized in 2005. (10 a.m.)
Other speakers include Patrician Prendiville who will look at same-sex marriage from a European perspective (10 a.m.) and Niall Crowley, previously CEO of the Equality Authority, who will give concluding reflections.

For more information contact:
Programme: Ailbhe Smyth, 0872055433
Media: Edel Hackett,Tel: 0872935207