An annual analysis of LGBTI-friendly countries has ranked Ireland up, but only slightly, from last year.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, ILGA-Europe, carries out a detailed check of laws and government policies in countries across Europe.
Europe’s rainbow ranking is used to push for change and alert to warning trends.
Ireland scored 63 percent, up slightly on last year, but still in 14th place.
Malta, Iceland and Belgium were judged to be the most LBGTI-friendly countries in Europe this year.
“Ireland saw a modest increase in its score this year, moving from 57 percent to 63 percent, largely due to the new hate crime law that includes protections on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics”, said Katja Štefanec Gärtner from ILGA-Europe.
Ireland’s decision “to drop the hate speech provisions from the final legislation marked a missed opportunity for broader protections”, she warned.
“A new national LGBTI strategy [for Ireland] is expected this year, and we’re urging the government to follow through with strong commitments, including banning conversion practices and ensuring access to trans-specific healthcare.”
It comes as Ireland celebrates ten years since the marriage equality referendum.
Looking back on the moment the polls closed in May 2015, Tánaiste Simon Harris said it was clear “Ireland was experiencing a moment of deep national significance”.
“I am proud of the country that Ireland has become since the marriage equality referendum”, the Tánaiste said in a speech in Dublin Castle last night.
“It is a more open, welcoming place, with greater freedom to be who you really are. That is liberating for everyone.”
But the rainbow ranking shows that Ireland can still do more.
In particular, ILGA-Europe is calling for Ireland to:
- Introduce hate speech legislation that expressly mentions sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGISC), following the government’s decision to drop incitement provisions from the 2024 hate crime law.
- Conversion practices (sexual orientation, gender identity) prohibited
- Depathologisation of trans identities and provision of trans healthcare through public health system
To create the country ranking, ILGA-Europe examine the laws and policies in 49 countries using more than 75 criteria.
These looked at topics including equality and non-discrimination; family; hate crime and hate speech; legal gender recognition; intersex bodily integrity; civil society space; and asylum.