A rainbow choir made up of LGBT singers has performed two protest songs outside the World Meeting of Families in Dublin.
It comes as new Government research shows that one-third of Irish families no longer fit in to the traditional definition of the family.
Single parents, gay parents and co-habiting couples are now almost as prevalent as the 'nuclear' family.
The meeting will see a discussion on respecting LGBT members of the Church – however LGBT members were refused permission to have a stand at the event.
The LGBTQ Choir pictured outside the World Meeting of Families event at the RDS in Dublin | Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie
One of the organisers of the protest, Ursula Halligan, said their voices cannot remain silent.
“We believe that regardless of anyone’s beliefs or religion, the LGBTI voice cannot remain silent when a group in society – be it Church or State – refuses to respect and recognise the dignity and equality of LGBTI people,” she said.
Organiser Ursula Halligan says the church needs to change its "damaging teachings" & has called for the Pope to "have courage" in reaching out to LGBT people #PopeInIreland pic.twitter.com/ukbf1XM2mY
— Stephen Murphy (@Stephen_Murphy5) August 23, 2018
Organisers of the Catholic event were criticised earlier this year after it emerged that images of a gay couple had been removed from promotional literature.
The choir sang two songs, "Something Inside So Strong" and the Sister Sledge hit, "We Are Family."
🎶ðŸ³ï¸ðŸŒˆWe Are Family ðŸ³ï¸ðŸŒˆðŸŽ¶
A choir sings outside the World Meeting of Families at the RDS to highlight the exclusion of LGBT people from the event #WMOF pic.twitter.com/InepOvS1dU
— Stephen Murphy (@Stephen_Murphy5) August 23, 2018
Meanwhile, gardaí are increasing patrols during the Pope’s visit amid fears burglars will target empty homes as pilgrims attend events.
Homeowners are being advised to ask neighbours to keep an eye on their houses whilst they're out.
It comes amid controversy over Garda security restrictions in Dublin City Centre.
Residents in the Church Street area are being asked to carry a utility bill, if they want to access the area.
Elizabeth Farries from The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) says gardaí need to be mindful of people's privacy.
"The Garda are still required to ensure that the way they gather this information is lawful, is necessary and is proportionate," she said.
"Compelling people to produce their personal data in order to gain access to their own homes is a highly intrusive act which triggers privacy rights under both European and international human rights laws."
The second day of the event will see a range of discussion – including marriage and parenting, women in developing countries and coping with addiction.
The event comes to a close ahead of the Pope’s visit to Ireland on Saturday.
Additional reporting: Jack Quann and Stephen Murphy
