Friday, August 31, 2007

McAleese urges end to bullying of gays



IRELAND: President Mary McAleese today called for a national change in attitudes to end the bullying of gay people.

Addressing the International Association of Suicide Prevention Conference in Killarney, the President said the link between sexual identity and suicide had to be addressed.

The President said: "Homosexuality is a discovery, not a decision, and for many it is a discovery which is made against a backdrop where, within their immediate circle of family and friends as well as the wider society, they have long encountered anti-gay attitudes which will do little to help them deal openly and healthily with their own sexuality."

Ireland's suicide toll is around 500 every year. Young men make up 40 per cent of these, and elderly men comprise the second-highest at risk group.

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0831/breaking51.htm

Posted by Tom at 8:09 AM

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