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15 JAN 2015
Senator Zappone Holds First Civic Forum on Gender Recognition
Yesterday (14th January), Senator Zappone hosted the first Civic Forum on Gender Recognition in Leinster House. Members of TENI, BeLonG To Youth Services, Amnesty International, TransParenCI, Irish Trans Student Alliance (ITSA), LGBT Noise and the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) were in attendance for this momentous occasion.
"This was a gathering of interested, passionate, engaged citizens, impacted by the law that is coming and want to influence it - as we all should when our fundamental rights are at stake," said Senator Zappone. "As a law-maker, I am keen to see that the human rights of trans people are progressed in a just, fair and equal manner."
Gender Recognition legislation is scheduled to be debated in the Seanad on 21st January. The Civic Forum was a unique opportunity for members of the trans community and allies to engage in constructive dialogue about the draft legislation and discuss how this legislation will affect people's lives.
"Yesterday was about making our voices heard," said TENI Chief Executive Broden Giambrone. "Gender recognition legislation impacts real people's lives and it's critical that Ireland gets it right. The proposed legislation is not yet law. We still have time to influence but we need law-makers to listen to us and make the changes that will ensure all members of our community can access legal recognition."
The result of the Civic Forum will be an outcome document that is circulated to TDs and Senators that summarises the inputs from the event.
"Gender recognition legislation in this country is way overdue. We are behind everyone else in Europe. There is no excuse for this," concluded Senator Zappone.
When the Gender Recognition Bill 2014 was published in December, TENI critiqued the Bill. You can find more information here.
Shortcut http://www.teni.ie/senator_zappone_holds_first_civic_forum_on_gender_recognition