People all over Ireland, Drogheda, included, attended vigils organised by LGBT groups in memory of Aidan Moffet and Michael Smee who were murdered in Sligo earlier this week in what were thought to be homophobic attacks.
The Drogheda vigil drew a sizeable crowd to the steps of St. Peter’s Church in West Street, where they sat in the sunshine as they listened to speakers from Outcomers Drogheda and the Drogheda LGBT Support Group as well as local political figures.
Seven years ago Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage but just because something comes about by a popular vote doesn’t mean that everyone believes it.
Sadly there is still a considerable level of anti-gay feeling in some sections of our society and there have been several homophobic attacks and hate crimes in recent months culminating in the horrific murders of in Sligo.
How we treat difference is a measure of how far up the ladder of civilisation we have climbed and the message from yesterday’s vigil was that there should be no place for intolerance or bigotry in any aspect of our society.
Not only should we tolerate diversity in our world we should celebrate how fascinating and exciting it is that we are all unique and individual people in our own right and different from everyone else.
We all find some people attractive and others not so much. If we are lucky we find someone that we fall headlong in love with. If we are really lucky that person will love us back and if we are really, really lucky that love will last a lifetime.
Nobody, not parents or friends, not the civil authorities or religious leaders can tell us who we can love and who we must stay away from.
Some people fall in love with a person of the opposite gender, others are attracted to and love someone of the same gender. It has always been this way and always will be.
Peter James Nugent of the LGBT Support Group said that there had been a case of homophobic bullying just two weeks ago in Drogheda which led to a 21 year old person having to be brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
“As an LGBT support worker in Drogheda I find it disgusting to see so many young people coming to our weekly support group because they don’t know who else to turn to for advice.
Thanking the crowd for their attendance Peter said: “Today we are thinking of the families and friends of Aidan Moffet and Michael Smee and the LGBT support Group in Sligo and across Ireland, particularly in smaller communities.”
Deputy Ged Nash said that, regardless of changes in the law and referenda, this country has a job of work to do to build on the significant progress we have made towards equality in this country over the last 30 years.
“Each and every one of us has to callout homophobia and transphobia when we see it, whether its in person, on the streets or online.”
He particularly focussed on online homophobic bullying which he said it gives certain people licence to target gay people and to abuse them which he said was not good enough and was destroying lives and must be brought to and end.
Deputy Imelda Munster said, “.. homophobic violence is not acceptable, was never acceptable and never will be acceptable… we must ensure that every child in this country is taught about equality and respect.”
