The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has criticised new Hungarian laws that discriminate against LGBTI+ people, while claiming to protect children. The law illustrates that homophobia is “alive and well in the EU” it says.

ICTU also expressed disappointment at recent homophobic events in Waterford and Dublin, and said Ireland should maintain its leadership role in promoting LGBTI+ rights.

In the run up to this year’s virtual Pride parade, ICTU general secretary Patricia King said recent events were a reminder of the importance of Pride.

Surveys by LGBT Ireland and BelongTo have illustrated that 93% of LGBTI+ young people struggled with anxiety, stress, or depression during the Covid-19 restrictions, compared to 53% of the general youth population.

Many are confined to unsupportive home environments due to public health restrictions and more than half (56%) of LGBTI+ young people surveyed in 2021 said they were not fully accepted in their home environment.

The reports also highlight the struggles of LGBTI+ people who are additionally marginalised including LGBTI+ migrants, Traveller and Roma, refugees, older people, those living with a long-term disability, or other intersectional identities. 

LGBT Ireland additionally point out that the LGBTI+ community rely on community spaces, social connections, and the ability to take pride in their identities, together – all denied to them by the pandemic.

Congress also acknowledged that while the pandemic affected everyone, its challenges posed a greater risk for marginalised and vulnerable groups, including LGBTI+ people.

The trade union movement stands for dignity, respect and equality in the workplace and wider society. It has a proud record in the fight against workplace discrimination and harassment, while also being the early supporters of marriage equality.

Liberty Hall roof also proudly lit up in Pride colours last weekend as a symbol of the movement’s continued belief that our fortunes as working people rise and fall as one and its continued solidarity with the LGBTI+ members.

Read ICTU’s Pride statement HERE.

Read Fórsa's blog post for Pride month here.

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