Irish Government forced to recognise Transgendered issues

Legislation recognising transgender people in their new identity is set to be introduced after the Government scrapped a Supreme Court appeal.

The State was due to challenge a ruling that current Irish law on transgender rights was in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
But after dropping its appeal against the High Court decision, the government will now have to bring in fresh legislation - or face condemnation from Strasbourg.

The Government dropped its challenge to a High Court declaration that Irish law on transgender rights is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Government must now introduce legislation recognising the new gender of transgender persons and allowing them to obtain new birth certificates or it will face condemnation from the European Court of Human Rights.

Dr Lydia Foy, a transgender woman registered at birth as a male who had challenged Irish law on this matter, today welcomed the Government's decision saying it finally marked an end to her 13-year battle for recognition as a woman.

The Government has withdrawn its appeal to the Supreme Court and has set up an inter-departmental group to advise the Minister for Social Protection on the legislation required.
The Free Legal Advice Centre welcomed the Government's decision, which it described as significant and groundbreaking.

A spokesperson for the Department of Social Protection has said that a Gender Recognition Advisory Group has been established. I met Dr Foy last weekend and it really was such an honor to be in the presence of someone who has worked so hard so that we all can live out lives that way everyone else can. It was clear from last weekends Pride turnout that things in Ireland are finally changing.