Sinn Féin Hold Successful LGBT Fringe Event

Among the many interesting and motivating fringe events held at this years historic Ard Fheis, was the launch of a new beginning for the party and its dealings with the issue of LGBT rights. The event, a panel discussion consisting of Catriona Ruane and Eoin O’Brien, saw a wide spectrum of interested party activists and community groups come together to discuss the current Sinn Féin policy on LGBT rights which was drafted in the mid 1990s.

The panel discussion was organized by the newly formed LGBT Sinn Féin committee and signaled the launch of consultation in view of developing a innovative, dynamic and comprehensive Sinn Féin LGBT policy.  The optimism and drive of those in attendance was clear to be seen with many congratulating Sinn Féin on its new commitment.

Speaking on the event and the issue of LGBT rights committee member and Ógra Cuige Uladh organiser Cllr Pádraig Quinn said:

“The discussion was a very informative and up beat event, with both the speakers and community groups participating in active discussion around the current policy and what lies ahead.

This is an issue that Sinn Féin feels very passionate about. One of our core fundamental principles, as republicans is that of equality.We believe that the LGBT community is wrongly being discriminated against in many aspects of life and that the current legislation does not go far enough to protect their rights. It is important now that as the leading voice in republicanism, Sinn Féin takes a pro-active approach in LGBT matters.

The new committee which will very soon see its AGM is committed to establishing a program of work which will not only see way to a new policy document, but challenge the current legislation and those who deem it worthy.

I think it is now important that activists from across the 32 county’s and in all aspects of our party’s structure consider joining this committee and assisting in the development of this document”.

For more information on the committee and its AGM please contact Pádraig Quinn on

padraig-quinn@hotmail.com