Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
380. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent attack on the offices of the organisers of Tbilisi Pride; if the safety and security of LGBTQ+ persons in Georgia has been discussed by the EU Council of Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37574/21]
View answerMy Department closely followed preparations for the Tbilisi Pride and statements made by its organisers, Georgian authorities and religious officials prior to the event. In response to the shocking events that took place on 5 July Ireland joined a statement from the EU Delegation to Georgia and over 20 Embassies and Missions, condemning the violent attacks, as well as the failure of the Government leaders and religious officials to protect the constitutional rights of their citizens. Ireland also highlighted our concerns through the Department of Foreign Affairs Twitter account while the events were still unfolding.
Our focus on the LGBTI+ rights in Georgia is longstanding. We have serious concerns about the security of the LGBTI+ persons there, not only because of the recent events preventing the Tbilisi Pride March for Dignity. Ireland raised the issue of LGBTI+ rights at the 37th session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group Review of Georgia in January this year stating: “Ireland is concerned about LGBTI+ rights, hate crimes and the administration of justice in Georgia,” and recommended that the Georgian authorities “ensure the prevention, investigation and prosecution of hate crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression by establishing an effective hate crime investigation unit within the law enforcement system.”
Ireland is deeply concerned by the apparent failure of the Georgian authorities to make clear their opposition to homophobic rhetoric and their unwillingness to guarantee the safety of IDAHO and Pride gatherings that are devoted to tolerance. LGBTI+ persons should be able to enjoy their constitutional rights such as participation in peaceful gatherings without fear of persecution. Ireland expects that the perpetrators of these violent attacks will be brought to justice.
