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Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Sinn Féin banned from Dublin trans and intersex pride march, organisers say
Despite a 'period of engagement' with party leadership, including a meeting with Mary Lou McDonald and other LGBTQ+ organisations, organisers have said they are 'not satisfied' with the party's position. They added that Sinn Féin has now 'officially' been banned from the march, which will take place in Dublin on July 12. Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin had released a statement last month calling on Sinn Féin to clarify the party position on the UK Supreme Court ruling and bans on puberty blockers. Last month, the British Supreme Court issued a landmark judgement which clarified that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the UK Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex. In a post shared to X, Sinn Féin health spokesperson, David Cullinane, had said the ruling was a 'common sense judgement'. He subsequently apologised and deleted the post, and has since met with a number of community groups on the issue. His comments drew criticism from a number of LGBTQ+ groups and activists who called on the wider party to clarify their stance, with Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin organisers today saying Sinn Féin has had 'numerous opportunities to explain their position'. They cited Ms McDonald's appearance on RTÉ's Late Late Show, as well as an email being sent to her office regarding their position and 'a community engagement meeting with Mary Lou McDonald, David Cullinane, and other LGBTQ+ organisations across the island'. A one-on-one discussion meeting with Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin Organiser Jenny Maguire was also held, they said. The group sought clarity on the party position on the UK Supreme Court ruling, whether they continue to support the NI Executive decision to 'ban puberty blockers; and whether they would support a ban on puberty blockers in the south of Ireland'. However, organisers said they were 'not satisfied with the clarity received' and have since 'made the decision to officially ban Sinn Féin from Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin 2025'. "We have always banned government parties from joining our March, and we continue to say that Fine Gael, and Fianna Fàil are not welcome, but a real alternative to Fianna Fàil and Fine Gael has to firmly stand in solidarity with the trans community.'
The Journal
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Sinn Féin banned from trans pride march following last-minute meeting with Mary Lou McDonald
SINN FÉIN HAS been banned from taking part in a pride march in Dublin this July over its stance on rights for transgender people, after months of questioning of the party's position on the issue. It follows extensive efforts by Sinn Féin leadership in meetings with with LGBT+ groups, with party president Mary Lou McDonald meeting with activists yesterday. Those meetings came on foot of an initial last month by Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin for Sinn Féin to clarify the party's position on the UK Supreme Court and the ban on puberty blockers in Northern Ireland. The controversy had been sparked by Sinn Féin's health spokesperson David Cullinane describing a ruling by the Scottish Supreme Court – that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in UK equality legislation do not include transgender women – as a 'common sense judgment'. Trans groups have been strongly critical of the Scottish Supreme Court's findings, with some pointing to a recent motion by a British doctors union calling the ruling 'scientifically illiterate'. In a statement this morning, Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin said Sinn Féin had 'numerous opportunities to explain their position' in recent weeks. The group cited one-on-one discussions with McDonald as well as a community engagement meeting with the Sinn Féin leader, her Dáil health spokesperson David Cullinane and other LGBT+ organisations across the island. Explaining this decision, the group said that it was 'not satisfied with the clarity received' around the party's position on a number of issues affecting trans people. Advertisement The group said it had engaged with the party 'in order to seek clarity' on their positions on the Scottish Supreme Court ruling in the UK and 'whether it would oppose attempts to implement the ruling in Northern Ireland'. It also sought a response on whether Sinn Féin would continue to support the decision of the Northern Irish government – where the party' vice president Michelle O'Neill is First Minister – to ban puberty blockers, and whether the party would support a ban on puberty blockers in the Republic. The group added that it holds the view that a 'real alternative to Fianna Fàil and Fine Gael' must be able to 'firmly stand in solidarity' with the trans community. 'Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin have since made the decision to officially ban Sinn Féin from Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin 2025. We have always banned government parties from joining our March, and we continue to say that Fine Gael, and Fianna Fàil are not welcome, but a real alternative to Fianna Fàil and Fine Gael has to firmly stand in solidarity with the trans community.' Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin also mentioned a 'Late Late Show interview with Mary Lou McDonald' in which the Dublin Central TD spoke about trans rights in light of her health frontbencher Cullinane's remarks. While McDonald told host Patrick Kielty that the issue was a very personal one for her given she has a trans sibling, it also caused concern for some party members and LGBT+ groups. That interview saw McDonald put forward that conversations about the rights of trans people must start from a 'position of respect'. She cautioned that Sinn Féin's position had not changed but said the implications of the UK Supreme Court ruling would need to be studied, particularly for Northern Ireland. It's understood part of what has concerned LGBT+ groups and some members of Sinn Féin is a belief that the party is maintaining a purposefully 'grey' position on the issue, without offering clear public support. Earlier this week , The Journal reported that Sinn Féin has seen a number of long-time members leave the party over a belief that the party is set to water down its support for LGBT+ issues, in particular on trans rights. Concern was heightened by plans for the party to hold a conference this summer specifically to discuss its stance on trans rights. While there has been confusion over when exactly this is due to take place – with some senior sources indicating it would be pushed back to take place next year – it's thought Sinn Féin now intends to hold it in the coming weeks. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Independent
17-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Sinn Fein TD apologises for ‘hurt and offence' in post about gender ruling
A Sinn Fein TD has apologised for a social media post about the UK court ruling on excluding trans women from the definition of 'woman' in equality law. David Cullinane, the party's health spokesman, said the 'complex' issue needs to be approached with 'compassion' and he apologised for any offence caused. Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin has said it has written to the party asking it to clarify its position and will consider banning it from its parade in July. The UK Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the 2010 Equality Act 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex'. This means transgender women with a gender recognition certificate can be excluded from single-sex spaces, such as changing rooms and homeless hostels, if 'proportionate'. The judges also said transgender people are still protected from discrimination in the same law. They said they can 'invoke the provisions on direct discrimination and harassment, and indirect discrimination' and are protected from discrimination on the grounds of gender reassignment. Authorities including the NHS are examining the implications of the ruling. A spokesperson for the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland said while the ruling only relates to England, Scotland and Wales, 'our initial view is that the judgment is likely to be deemed by our industrial tribunals and courts to be highly persuasive and, consequently, it is likely to be followed in cases where similar issues arise'. On Wednesday evening, Mr Cullinane called for the ruling to be 'fully examined in this state'. The Waterford TD said on social media site X: 'The Scottish Supreme Court ruling on the legal meaning of woman is a common sense judgement. 'The ruling found that for the purposes of equality legislation a 'woman' means a biological woman & 'sex' refers to biological sex. 'It also confirmed that trans people are protected under their Equality legislation in a separate category of gender reassignment.' The PA news agency contacted Mr Cullinane on Thursday morning to clarify his comments. In a tweet sent on Thursday afternoon, Mr Cullinane apologised. 'I want to apologise for the hurt and offence that I have caused to the trans community following a tweet I sent last night,' he said on X. 'That was never my intention. This is a complex issue for many but we need to approach it with compassion, understanding and dignity for all. 'I'm sure those in the trans community will feel vulnerable and isolated today in the aftermath of yesterday's judgement, and I apologise that my words added to that.' Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin said it is not clear whether Mr Cullinane still believes the ruling should be looked at in Ireland. It said it 'shows the instinct and insensitivity to attack the community by a health spokesperson'. The group added: 'The decision by the UK Supreme Court opens the door to further attacks on trans rights and has severe consequences for the people of Britain, and a knock-on for Irish trans people.' It welcomed the decision by different Pride groups in Northern Ireland to ban all Executive parties that had signed off on the temporary suspension of puberty blockers. Trans and Intersex Pride organiser and co-founder Ollie Bell said: 'We understand that many activists in Sinn Fein may disagree with the party's position, however it would be a disservice to the community we represent if we allow Sinn Fein to march. 'We encourage all Pride marches to consider our decision, in light of the ban on puberty blockers and the kowtowing to anti-trans forces with regards to agreeing with the Supreme Court decision, and join us in this decision. 'We welcome all activists, groups, organisations who genuinely want to fight for trans rights to join us on July 12 in protest against anti-trans attacks everywhere.' A spokesman for Sinn Fein said: 'We are aware of the ruling from the British Supreme Court. 'It is important that we have effective equality protections that work to protect everyone and we will carefully examine the detail of this ruling in that context.'
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sinn Fein TD apologises for ‘hurt and offence' in post about gender ruling
A Sinn Fein TD has apologised for a social media post about the UK court ruling on excluding trans women from the definition of 'woman' in equality law. David Cullinane, the party's health spokesman, said the 'complex' issue needs to be approached with 'compassion' and he apologised for any offence caused. Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin has said it has written to the party asking it to clarify its position and will consider banning it from its parade in July. The UK Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the 2010 Equality Act 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex'. This means transgender women with a gender recognition certificate can be excluded from single-sex spaces, such as changing rooms and homeless hostels, if 'proportionate'. The judges also said transgender people are still protected from discrimination in the same law. They said they can 'invoke the provisions on direct discrimination and harassment, and indirect discrimination' and are protected from discrimination on the grounds of gender reassignment. I want to apologise for the hurt and offence that I have caused to the Trans community following a tweet I sent last night. That was never my intention. This is a complex issue for many but we need to approach it with compassion, understanding and dignity for all. — David Cullinane T.D. (@davidcullinane) April 17, 2025 Authorities including the NHS are examining the implications of the ruling. A spokesperson for the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland said while the ruling only relates to England, Scotland and Wales, 'our initial view is that the judgment is likely to be deemed by our industrial tribunals and courts to be highly persuasive and, consequently, it is likely to be followed in cases where similar issues arise'. On Wednesday evening, Mr Cullinane called for the ruling to be 'fully examined in this state'. The Waterford TD said on social media site X: 'The Scottish Supreme Court ruling on the legal meaning of woman is a common sense judgement. 'The ruling found that for the purposes of equality legislation a 'woman' means a biological woman & 'sex' refers to biological sex. 'It also confirmed that trans people are protected under their Equality legislation in a separate category of gender reassignment.' The PA news agency contacted Mr Cullinane on Thursday morning to clarify his comments. In a tweet sent on Thursday afternoon, Mr Cullinane apologised. 'I want to apologise for the hurt and offence that I have caused to the trans community following a tweet I sent last night,' he said on X. I'm sure those in the Trans community will feel vulnerable and isolated today in the aftermath of yesterday's judgement, and I apologise that my words added to that. — David Cullinane T.D. (@davidcullinane) April 17, 2025 'That was never my intention. This is a complex issue for many but we need to approach it with compassion, understanding and dignity for all. 'I'm sure those in the trans community will feel vulnerable and isolated today in the aftermath of yesterday's judgement, and I apologise that my words added to that.' Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin said it is not clear whether Mr Cullinane still believes the ruling should be looked at in Ireland. It said it 'shows the instinct and insensitivity to attack the community by a health spokesperson'. The group added: 'The decision by the UK Supreme Court opens the door to further attacks on trans rights and has severe consequences for the people of Britain, and a knock-on for Irish trans people.' It welcomed the decision by different Pride groups in Northern Ireland to ban all Executive parties that had signed off on the temporary suspension of puberty blockers. Trans and Intersex Pride organiser and co-founder Ollie Bell said: 'We understand that many activists in Sinn Fein may disagree with the party's position, however it would be a disservice to the community we represent if we allow Sinn Fein to march. 'We encourage all Pride marches to consider our decision, in light of the ban on puberty blockers and the kowtowing to anti-trans forces with regards to agreeing with the Supreme Court decision, and join us in this decision. 'We welcome all activists, groups, organisations who genuinely want to fight for trans rights to join us on July 12 in protest against anti-trans attacks everywhere.' A spokesman for Sinn Fein said: 'We are aware of the ruling from the British Supreme Court. 'It is important that we have effective equality protections that work to protect everyone and we will carefully examine the detail of this ruling in that context.'
