The Pride Flag will fly over Leinster House for the first time on Saturday as the Dublin Pride Parade takes centre stage in the city.
It comes as a new LGBT+ support group was established within the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The group, which includes TDs, party members and staff, was established at the request of Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer to provide a space for members of the LGBT+ community in Leinster House.
Pride Flag to fly at Leinster House as Houses of the Oireachtas LGBT+ group is launched today #seeforyourself #Pride https://t.co/85vU70aaOC pic.twitter.com/1qhpzR1LFB
— Houses of the Oireachtas - Tithe an Oireachtais (@OireachtasNews) June 26, 2019
Its first meeting was hosted by the Ceann Comhairle Sean Ó Fearghaíl with the support of the Seanad Cathaoirleach and the Clerk of the Dáil.
“Across all sides of the Dáil and Seanad chambers, there is significant support for the Pride Festival, and this is reflected nationwide in the Pride events scheduled throughout the month of June,” said Deputy Ó Fearghaíl.
“By flying the flag over Leinster House on Saturday, we are showing our commitment to support and assist the LGBT+ community and their allies in the Oireachtas – be they members, political staff or support staff.”
The Dublin Pride Festival runs from June 20th to 30th – with Saturday’s parade set to be the jewel in the crown once again.
The parade gets underway at 1pm on O’Connell Street and passes Liberty Hall, where the first large scale march for LGBTQ+ rights in Ireland began in 1983.
It ends with a free outdoor event in Merrion Square.
This year’s festival coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York – considered a seminal moment in the gay liberation movement.
This year’s theme is “Rainbow Revolution.”
