Gay network seeks new hate-crime law

A prominent gay and lesbian group has called for the introduction of "hate crime" legislation which it says is needed to tackle the increased number of assaults on members of the gay and lesbian community in Dublin.

The Gay and Lesbian Network said an attack on Saturday on a number of gay men and their friends outside the George pub on South Great George's Street was part of an ongoing trend of anti-gay violence.

Its chief executive, Keith O'Malley, said gardaí, Government departments and other State agencies must work with members of the gay and lesbian community to tackle the violent attacks.

"Everyone is entitled to walk the streets without fear of intimidation, harassment and attack," he said.

"Very positive progress has been made by the Garda Síochána on this issue with the appointment of Garda liaison officers to the lesbian, gay and bisexual community and the development of information materials. This provides a good base to build more extensive responses in the future."

Mr O'Malley said Minister for Justice Michael McDowell should establish a national taskforce on preventing violence against lesbian, gay and bisexual people and dealing with its effects. This would include a range of Government departments and State agencies.

He also called on the owners of gay venues to work with gardaí in devising strategies to address the attacks outside such venues.

The Green Party yesterday backed the call for a task force saying the one on violence against women had been very successful in raising awareness of the issue.

The party's justice spokesman Ciarán Cuffe said that while a task force might initially address the issue of Garda resources and actions over anti-gay attacks, it would also address the need for greater education and awareness.

"This violence is blatant homophobia and must be tackled at all stages of the education cycle."

Mr Cuffe joined members of the Gay and Lesbian Network and their supporters yesterday on a protest march through Dublin city centre from the George to the Four Courts.

The network has scheduled a public meeting for October 17th to take place in Yello, a gay venue on Capel Street, Dublin, over the safety issue. It will be attended by Garda superintendents from relevant city districts.