[Azure_sky]

OK folks, I've heard conflicting reports and to be honest, in the past, I honestly wonder does Sinn Fein even know what the "T" stands for. ( I'm kind of a cynic when it comes to politics-I'm sure I'm not alone...).

Essentially, the question is simple. Where does Sinn Fein stand with the "T"?
If they support transgenders they have my vote. I just want a straight answer. (Yes, I'm aware of the irony, so don't bother pointing it out.)

[mango salsa]

I'm not 100% sure - a lot of the policy they have that's available online is quite old and mentions lgb. I know they an LGBT committee but I'm not really sure much about things they have done.

[wonderfulname]

Originally Posted by Deputy Jonathan O’Brien

Sinn Féin has always supported socially progressive legislation and will support this Bill. We would like to see further legislation on issues such as civil marriage and transgender recognition brought before the House. These issues need to be progressed at the earliest possible opportunity. This is in keeping with the spirit, ideology and practice of Republicanism in terms of promoting equality among all citizens.

From dail debate on the finance bill related to CP legislation.

This kind of stuff crops up from them now and then, but I've always taken it to be less than sincere (although I greatly respect Ó Snodaigh for that second link, he does actually seem to "stand with the T"), they seem to support everyone in the right context, they'd get behind the DUP if they thought only DUP supporters were paying attention... but that's just my opinion...

[Dark Chocolate]

It may be a cynical view, but is that 'then' link not just an an opportunity to voice support for '<insert minority/marginalised group here> and take a cheap political potshot at a government measure? In a political environment where they're looking to broaden and build their support base, it just seems like an opening was seen to earn some kudos for their support. It would be interesting to know if there is any substance behind it or if it was just seizing the moment.

[onlyrocknroll]

Originally Posted by Dark Chocolate

It may be a cynical view, but is that 'then' link not just an an opportunity to voice support for '<insert minority/marginalised group here> and take a cheap political potshot at a government measure? In a political environment where they're looking to broaden and build their support base, it just seems like an opening was seen to earn some kudos for their support. It would be interesting to know if there is any substance behind it or if it was just seizing the moment.

I think that you might be a little too cynical, supporting a minority issue that is (tragically) opposed by the mainstream voter does require some bravery. Especially considering that Sein Fein would be best advised from a political point of view to try to broaden their appeal to those some voters with more conservative views.

Having said that if Sein Fein were ever actually in power, I would imagine that they might suddenly lose interest in the matter.

[Dark Chocolate]

Ah, now who's being cynical? A government party losing interest in a minority issue? G'wan outta that!

[Itzy]

Originally Posted by onlyrocknroll

Having said that if Sein Fein were ever actually in power, I would imagine that they might suddenly lose interest in the matter.

Sure I reluctantly voted for Labour in the last general election thinking they were the best thing since sliced bread for the LGBT community. Now I realise that Joan Burtons' sincere fúck up regarding Gender Recognition leaves me thinking, never again. So I'm going to hastle my own local TD, Ming the Merciless as he has been dubbed. To finish, I've become severly disillusioned with party politics and will stick with the independants from here on out.

[mango salsa]

Originally Posted by ItsThatManAgain

Sure I reluctantly voted for Labour in the last general election thinking they were the best thing since sliced bread for the LGBT community. Now I realise that Joan Burtons' sincere fúck up regarding Gender Recognition leaves me thinking, never again. So I'm going to hastle my own local TD, Ming the Merciless as he has been dubbed. To finish, I've become severly disillusioned with party politics and will stick with the independants from here on out.

The previous government (Eamon O Cuiv) put in place the GRAG group on which the GRAG report recommendations were made. It's not fair or correct to say that Joan Burton ****ed up on this at all particularly since we haven't seen any proposed legislation yet so we have no idea if Joan Burton is taking on board all of the GRAG report recommendations.

[Itzy]

Yeah I understand that, but the recommendations are nearly a carbon copy of UK legislation released in 2004. It almost seems that Joan didn't bother her árse to take any recommendations into consideration at all.

[mango salsa]

Originally Posted by ItsThatManAgain

Yeah I understand that, but the recommendations are nearly a carbon copy of UK legislation released in 2004. It almost seems that Joan didn't bother her árse to take any recommendations into consideration at all.

Joan didn't write the report - the GRAG group set up by Eamon O Cuiv did. This really is not a fcuk by Joan. If the law follows the recommendations - that will be.

[Azure_sky]

Originally Posted by wonderfulname

From dail debate on the finance bill related to CP legislation.

This kind of stuff crops up from them now and then, but I've always taken it to be less than sincere (although I greatly respect Ó Snodaigh for that second link, he does actually seem to "stand with the T"), they seem to support everyone in the right context, they'd get behind the DUP if they thought only DUP supporters were paying attention... but that's just my opinion...

To be honest I was thinking along those lines myself. I think pretty much all political parties are like this-salmon socialists... I can't help but think what James Connolly would make of Labour, and what Collins would make of Fine Gael if they were alive today. Perhaps I'm wrong about Sinn Fein. I hope so. It would be nice to have the option of a genuine alternative instead of all these centrist parties.

I'm sick of douche vs turd.

[wonderfulname]

Originally Posted by Dark Chocolate

It may be a cynical view, but is that 'then' link not just an an opportunity to voice support for '<insert minority/marginalised group here> and take a cheap political potshot at a government measure? In a political environment where they're looking to broaden and build their support base, it just seems like an opening was seen to earn some kudos for their support. It would be interesting to know if there is any substance behind it or if it was just seizing the moment.

You could look at it like that alright, but were I being "political" in that situation I would have just kept my trap shut, votes wise I'd imagine it would be the best thing all round, and it's not the only time he's stuck his neck out in that regard.

[mango salsa]

Originally Posted by wonderfulname

From dail debate on the finance bill related to CP legislation.

This kind of stuff crops up from them now and then, but I've always taken it to be less than sincere (although I greatly respect Ó Snodaigh for that second link, he does actually seem to "stand with the T"), they seem to support everyone in the right context, they'd get behind the DUP if they thought only DUP supporters were paying attention... but that's just my opinion...

I think Aengus O Snodaigh is sincere in this regard.

Originally Posted by mango salsa

I think Aengus O Snodaigh is sincere in this regard.

If we can be sure of anything it is this. Also Sinn Féin are not winning any voters over for supporting LGBT so I do not see where the cyncism is coming from.

[mango salsa]

Originally Posted by one_shure_thing

If we can be sure of anything it is this. Also Sinn Féin are not winning any voters over for supporting LGBT so I do not see where the cyncism is coming from.

ah come on now - supporting lgbt rights does win some votes