Discrimination against sexual and gender minorities in Ireland has increased, UCD study finds
University College Dublin
(UCD) has found the frequency of discrimination against, and unfair treatment of, sexual and gender minorities in Ireland has increased over the past year.
The
report
published findings from two surveys undertaken in August 2024 and May 2025.
Researchers noted an 'escalation in frequency' of discrimination and unfair treatment of LGBTQ+ people in Ireland, as well as an increase in the targeting of LGBTQ+ people. The findings also show support for the rights of transgender people in Ireland.
It is part of the Resist project, addressing 'anti-gender' politics and mobilisations across Europe. It says these manifest differently from country to country but broadly encompass movements opposed to gendered freedoms, trans rights, feminism, abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights.
READ MORE
The LGBTQ+ acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer, with the plus symbol signalling an expansive definition that includes other identities not listed.
'Having been working in this area since 2012, the increase in targeting in the last three years has been phenomenal,' said one of the authors, Prof Kath Browne. 'You can really see the increase in media stories, how people talk and what they'll say.'
In August 2024, 7 per cent of lesbian, gay, bisexual or queer survey respondents said discrimination or unfair treatment happened 'often or very often'. When the survey was undertaken again in May 2025, this figure rose to 20 per cent.
'There is an indication of a trend from 7 per cent and 20 per cent, but because of the number of LGBTQ+ people in the survey are quite small, we would need more research to truly understand the effects and implications,' Prof Browne said.
The survey dealt separately with the experiences of trans and non-binary respondents, 85 per cent of whom reported facing discrimination sometimes, often or very often in the past year.
Seventy-one per cent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer respondents reported experiencing hostility because of their political views on feminism or LGBTQ+ rights, compared with 30 per cent of heterosexual respondents. Ninety per cent of trans or non-binary respondents reported experiencing hostility.
'LGBTQ people are more likely to be targeted on their political views, even if they hold the same views as their straight peers,' Prof Browne said.
The survey report shows robust support for women's and LGBTQ+ rights in Ireland – 83 per cent of all respondents agreed that gender-based violence is a critical issue that needs more attention and resources.
The majority of respondents (69 per cent) expressed support for trans people, agreeing that trans rights are human rights. Support for trans rights was higher among lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer respondents (88 per cent) compared with heterosexual respondents (67 per cent).
'The presumption is there's more of a divide within LGBTQ+ communities in other countries,' Prof Browne said, 'whereas here [in Ireland] we don't see that divide.'
On women's rights, 82 per cent of respondents agreed that accessing safe and legal abortion services is an essential component of healthcare.
One thousand people were surveyed in August 2024 and in May 2025. Of those surveyed in August, 50 per cent were women, 49 per cent were men, and 1 per cent were trans or non-binary. Of those surveyed, 9 per cent identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or queer.
In May 2025, the percentage of LGBTQ+ people was the same, with women making up 56 per cent of those surveyed, and men 43 per cent.
The reported concluded: 'This research demonstrates that there is broad support for LGBTIQ+ people, women's rights and abortion. This exists alongside a rise in the targeting of these groups and of those who support them.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
4 hours ago
- Irish Times
State on course for high end of multibillion EU fines as emissions reductions slow
The decline in Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions has slowed, according to fresh data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data, putting the State's likely compliance costs at the higher end of estimates, Provisional figures released on Friday by the EPA increase the likelihood that legally binding 2030 climate targets will be missed by a large margin after momentum achieved in 2023 was lost. Ireland could have to pay out between €8 billion and €26 billion to its EU partners if it does not step up climate action swiftly, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council said in February. Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by just 2 per cent in 2024, down from a 6.8 per cent figure the previous year. READ MORE The EPA warned meeting national and EU commitments will be 'extremely challenging'. Ireland's national target is to reduce emissions by 51 per cent in 2030 compared with 2018. In 2024, greenhouse gas emissions were 12 per cent below 2018 levels. Separate EPA projections in May indicated a 23 per cent reduction by decade end. Minister for Energy and Climate Darragh O'Brien told the Oireachtas Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy on Thursday that the latest forecasts showed the country would at best cut emissions by only half the amount required by 2030. But he accepted there was a legal requirement to meet science-based targets and to adhere to carbon budgets, adding he was not 'raising the white flag' yet. 'We have to redouble our efforts to get as close as possible to our 2030 targets,' he added. EPA director general Laura Burke said that although 2024 data is moving in the right direction, 'it is not at the necessary scale and pace'. She added: 'If Ireland is to meet our first carbon budget, a further 10 per cent reduction in emissions is needed in 2025, which will be extremely challenging.' The EPA figures show a reduction of 1.1 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2eq) compared with 2023, with reductions in most sectors – except for heating of homes and buildings. Energy including electricity continues to be the exception, with sustained reductions in line with targets. Transport and agriculture, however, reversed positive 2023 trends with modest declines compared with targets in the Government's climate plan and strict carbon budgets. In total, 54Mt CO2eq were emitted last year – excluding substantial emissions from land use and forestry. Energy industry emissions decreased by 8.9 per cent in 2024 to an all-time low of 7.2 Mt CO2eq. This was due to power generation using renewables (39.6 per cent) and increased imported electricity via interconnectors. It was also the first year that peat was not used in generation. Agriculture emissions decreased by 1.7 per cent (0.3 Mt CO2eq), primarily due to a 2.9 per cent reduction in cattle numbers. In contrast, there was a 10.6 per cent increase in nitrogen fertiliser use. Last year saw the first post-Covid decrease in transport emissions but that was only by 1.2 per cent decline, having increased by 6 per cent in both 2021 and 2022 and by 0.3 per cent in 2023. Industrial emissions decreased by 4.6 per cent due to declines in coal and oil usage. Emissions from buildings (residential, commercial and public) increased by 5.6 per cent due to a colder winter and increased use of fossil fuels. EPA senior manager Dr Tomas Murray said: 'Both agriculture and transport each require significant reductions of 5.6 and 15.5 per cent, respectively, in 2025 to meet reduction targets.' The 51 per cent reduction by 2030 target 'will be unattainable unless every sector meets their reduction target and sectoral ceiling', he added.
Irish Times
5 hours ago
- Irish Times
Harris tells 4th of July party ‘the bombs have to stop' in Gaza
Tánaiste Simon Harris told the new US Ambassador to Ireland that the 'bombs have to stop' in Gaza . Mr Harris, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, was addressing the annual Independence Day celebration at the ambassador's residence in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, Edward Walsh's first public event since presenting his credentials to President Michael D Higgins on Tuesday. The Minister for Foreign Affairs spoke about the 'enduring friendship' between Ireland and the US before mentioning the 'ongoing situation in Gaza'. 'Ireland has always unreservedly condemned Hamas. We stand for the Israeli people's right to live in peace. We call again for the release of all hostages. READ MORE [ Israel steps up deadly bombardment of Gaza, killing at least 90 people, before ceasefire talks Opens in new window ] 'But the bombs have to stop. The killing has to stop. We must have a ceasefire. 'Humanitarian aid must get to the people suffering horrific injuries, starvation and disease. Because the cry of a child is the same in any language. It compels us to provide comfort and protection from harm. 'As human beings in positions of power, we can no longer bear the heartbreaking cries of the children of the Middle East. 'I urge all involved to support and engage in efforts under way to reach agreement on a new ceasefire and hostage release agreement.' Mr Harris told the crowd the US helped bring peace to our island 'by putting its own reputation on the line, and believing in hope instead of history'. 'The Good Friday Agreement taught the world that peace is always possible, that wounds can be healed, and that differences that once seemed insurmountable can be overcome.' Edward S Walsh with Tanaiste Simon Harris. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Mr Harris said, at home and abroad, 'Ireland's message is always the same: We must honour our history by putting our own reputation on the line in the search for peace'. 'Ireland's concerns reflect a heartfelt commitment to humanitarian principles and a belief that lasting peace can only come through justice, accountability, and the protection of all civilian lives.' He said: 'When friends speak candidly to one another, it strengthens rather than weakens their bond.' During his speech, Mr Harris also spoke about the ongoing tariff war between the US and the EU. 'With some of the most important voices in the Irish and US business communities here tonight, let me say again loud and clear – we want and need to see an agreement reached between the EU and the US,' Mr Harris said. 'Ireland has been consistent in our approach; we want to see zero for zero tariffs in as many areas as possible. We want to reach a deal as soon as possible.' Mr Harris spoke after Mr Walsh, so the ambassador didn't have the chance to reply – publicly at least. The men held a private meeting before the event. In his speech, Mr Walsh expressed his 'deep gratitude to my good friend, president Donald Trump, for entrusting me with this role'. Edward S Walsh (left), with Michael Flatley. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA He told the crowd he stood before them 'as a businessman, a family man, and someone who deeply values the ties that bind communities together, from the boardroom to the golf course'. Mr Walsh said he looked forward to 'building lasting relationships, communicating openly and embracing all that brings our people together'. After the speeches, Michael Flatley played a flute solo. People then formed a queue to take photos with Walsh – including Independent TDs Mattie McGrath and Carol Nolan – while a live band, the Controversial All Stars, played You Can Go Your Own Way. About 2,500 guests from the worlds of politics, business, culture, sport, and media attended the event, marking the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. Many TDs, past and present, milled around, but several politicians turned down an invite to the party. Among them was People Before Profit–Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, who took part in a large Palestine solidarity protest across the road from the residence. Ruth Coppinger described the situation in Gaza as 'US-funded genocide'. Photograph: Órla Ryan Protesters shouted 'shame, shame' and 'you feast while Gaza starves' as guests entered the party. Ms Coppinger was among the protesters. She said, as a TD, she had been invited to the celebration but could not in good conscience attend. 'It's absolutely incredible that such a thing would be organised. The people of Gaza are starving or being killed trying to access food,' she said. Ms Coppinger described the situation in Gaza as 'US-funded genocide'. 'Genocide in Gaza couldn't be happening without the political, and financial support of the United States.' Zak Hania was among the proesters at the Phoenix Park on Thursday evening. Photograph: Órla Ryan Zak Hania , an Irish-Palestinian man who spent months trapped in the Gaza Strip before returning to Ireland last year, was also at the protest. 'The Americans are a huge part in this genocide, and they are contributing to the killing machine of our children and our elderly and our people,' Mr Hania said. 'You are having a huge dinner, and you are inviting a lot of people to eat and enjoy while the blood of our children are on the streets and our people are dying of hunger.'
Irish Times
6 hours ago
- Irish Times
Student accommodation developer challenges decision to rezone land near UCD to open space
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Council's decision to rezone lands owned by a student accommodation developer from residential to open space was done for valid planning reasons, the High Court has been told. The council made the argument in defending an action brought by developer Colbeam Ltd, which is challenging the local authority's 2022-2028 county development plan arising from the rezoning decision. Colbeam has sought to build a 698-bed student accommodation complex at Our Lady's Grove, Goatstown Road, Dublin 14, which is about 850 metres from University College Dublin (UCD). The developer previously secured planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála for the development, but this decision was quashed following a separate, successful High Court challenge. READ MORE Colbeam had bought the site in 2017 from the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary for €13 million. The land – which had been part of a wider campus that includes Our Lady's Grove primary and secondary school – was zoned residential under the council's 2016-2022 county development plan, which was in effect at the time of the purchase, Colbeam has said. But before adopting the 2022-2028 county development plan, councillors adopted motions to rezone Colbeam's land from residential to open space. On Thursday, David Browne SC, for the council, said councillors adopted motions to rezone primarily for planning-based reasons. These included consideration for open space at the Our Lady's Grove campus and concerns about incremental development on that space. Colbeam has argued that councillors had regard for 'irrelevant consideration' in adopting the motions to rezone. But Mr Browne said that if the principal reason for the rezoning decision was a planning one then that was a valid decision. Mr Brown said certain remarks made by councillors in debating the rezoning motions were indicative of 'marginal' considerations in the decision to rezone and should not invalidate the decision. On Wednesday, Neil Steen SC, for Colbeam, had argued that councillors had regard for 'irrelevant consideration' in adopting the motions to rezone. One of these irrelevant considerations arose from purported comments made at the meeting by Fine Gael councillor Barry Saul, one of the members who initially proposed to rezone the land. In advancing the argument to rezone the lands, Cllr Saul referred to 'a failure of moral obligation' on the part of the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary to maintain a required level of open space on their lands, Mr Steen said. The open space requirement arose from an 'institutional land' designation. Mr Steen said Mr Saul made it explicit that part of his intention in supporting the rezoning was to address this 'failure'. Counsel said moral obligation was an irrelevant consideration in the decision to rezone. Mr Steen said his clients were entitled under legislation to a decision uncontaminated by irrelevant considerations. He said if the court found councillors took an irrelevant consideration into account in making the decision to rezone then the decision should be quashed. Mr Justice David Holland will give his ruling at later date.
