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20 APR 2011
TENI welcomes Equality Tribunal Decision on Transgender Case
Issued by TENI, April 19, 2011.
TENI welcomes Equality Tribunal Decision on Transgender Case
TENI Calls for introduction of Gender Recognition Legislation
Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) welcomes the Equality
Tribunal’s decision in the Louise Hannon case to extend protections to
transgender people.
TENI Chairperson, Martine Cuypers said: “This is a significant step
for transgender equality in Ireland. An important precedent has been
set in recognising the inclusion of transgender people under the
gender ground of equality legislation.
“We also congratulate Louise Hannon on winning this landmark case
following her four-year legal battle. Ms. Hannon’s case highlights
that transgender people regularly experience discrimination in the
workplace as well as challenges in accessing and retaining employment.
“TENI urgently calls on the government to fulfil its commitment to
extend the protections of the equality legislation to transgender
people through the explicit inclusion of ‘Gender Identity and Gender
Expression’ as protections under the gender ground,” she said.
Gender Recognition Legislation urgently required
TENI urges the government to introduce comprehensive Gender
Recognition Legislation for Ireland. Gender Recognition Legislation is
promised in the Programme for Government and a working group is due to
provide recommendations to the Minister for Social Protection, Joan
Burton shortly.
“This case highlights the importance of a proper legislative framework
for gender recognition and we urge Minister Burton to move forward
with drafting and enacting this legislation as quickly as possible,”
Ms. Cuypers added.
TENI was established in 2005 and represents Ireland’s transgender
community. TENI provides support services for transgender people
across the country. At present TENI facilitates six support groups
across the country in Cavan, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and
Waterford. A further service is opening in Sligo shortly. 300 people
accessed TENI’s support services in 2010.
Further Information
Martine Cuypers, Chairperson, TENI: (01) 873 3575 / (087) 135 9816.
Shortcut http://www.teni.ie/teni_welcomes_equality_tribunal_decision_on_transgender_case