The 10th Trailblaze event – in the organiser’s words, “a collective of creatives and social architects who curate and create immersive experiences that drive meaningful conversations and collaborations” – took place on Wednesday at the Green Street Courthouse in Smithfield, Dublin.
The topic was "I fought the law and . . . ?" UNA MULLALLYasked 20 participants: 'If you could change one law, what would it be?"
Ronan Colgan
“It would be nice to have more clarity on the abortion legislation.”
Vickey Curtis
“I’d legislate for same-sex marriage.”
Niamh Ní Chonchubhair
“Generally, the things that defined how citizens should be served rather than banks – the Fiscal Responsibility Bill.”
Zita Spring
“The need to legislate for abortion.”
Mary Nally
“I don’t even think I know what’s against the law.”
Damien Sweeney
“The laws about same-sex couples and adoption seem to be draconian.”
Veronica Dyas
“It has to be the X-Case legislation.”
Grace Dyas
“I want to say something different, but you have to say legalise abortion really.”
Ivana Bacik
“I would delete the eighth amendment (article 40.3.3) from the Constitution, repeal sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and provide thorough legislation for safe, legal abortion on grounds similar to those outlined in the US case of Roe V Wade.”
Clare Mulvany
“Around the abortion issue, because that case summarises so much about attitudes towards women in Ireland. When that changes, there will be a tsunami of changes.”
Conor McCarrick
“That banks are being bailed out instead of people.”
Helen McGuire
“I think everyone should have a house.”
Sarah Murphy
“I would eliminate God and concepts of gender from the Constitution completely, beginning by repealing the blasphemy law.”
Darragh Doyle
“Definitely the legislation on abortion, giving that power back to the people who need it and who have a right to make their decision.”
Jill O’Brien
“I suppose around abortion: to change legislation to make it fairer for women. It’s a human rights issue really and the legislation needs to be in the best interest of women.”
Róise Goan
“I just think women should be able to have legal abortions in this country. At the moment, that’s the most important law we need to change.”
Shaun Dunne
“I would change the legislation that prevents same-sex couples from enjoying the full benefits of marriage. Civil partnership is sub-standard, while current legislation discriminates against same-sex couples openly.”
Katie Holly
“It would be the X legislation right now.”
Kathy Scott
“Right now, it would have to be legislation in response to the Savita case. For me, the ‘why’ is because it’s presenting a huge turning point for women in Ireland in particular – and for men – and if we can respond to this tipping point right now, it will offer huge potential for change, moving Ireland out of this archaic holding space into something new. ”
Temper-Mental MissElayneous
“I would change the unwritten laws carved in our minds, ie, classism, homosexism, hierarchical social divisions, imprisonment by fear. I would eradicate television.”