New legislation has been proposed that aims to prevent schools from discriminating against lesbian, gay and bisexual teachers (LGB).

Fianna Fail senator Averil Power announced details of a bill that makes amendments to the current Employment Equality Act.

Under the existing law, a school could claim that hiring a gay teacher would undermine their religious ethos.

As a result of this, senator Power claimed many teachers "feel compelled to hide their sexual orientation from their colleagues and pretend to be someone they are not".

If the bill is passed, schools would still be able to insist staff members respect their religious views and not seek to undermine it.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Group has welcomed the move, while Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin said it is "another key initiative to ensure that LGB people can live open and happy lives, free from discrimination".

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments