Garda bosses discuss gay and lesbian equality

GAY and lesbian gardaí could be on the verge of gaining formal recognition within An Garda Síochána.

Garda welfare officials have met management to address how best to ensure gays and lesbians are treated equally within the force.

Homosexual gardaí also want the force to provide better welfare services to address their needs, according to the Garda Representative Association’s monthly magazine, Garda Review.

A gay officer told the magazine that homophobic - or anti-gay - sentiments were rife within An Garda Síochána.

“Overtly homophobic comments from members are commonplace as they are in most policing environments. Homophobia is accepted or, at best, unchallenged,” he said.

“The organisation needs to officially recognise the status of members who are gay or lesbian, and recognise they are entitled to equality. Where deficiencies exist (the force) should provide the support to address these,” the garda added.

Garda bosses have already placed recruitment advertisements in the gay press while the magazine reported that up to 10 recent recruits to the force’s Templemore Garda College were homosexual.

According to Garda Review, the force is now taking formal steps to ensure gay and lesbian officers get specialist welfare help.

The magazine reported that many of the officers were not open about their sexuality for fear of the reaction of their colleagues of the effect upon their careers.

The fear of being isolated at work and the worry of being “exposed” is causing officers deep concern, the report said.

“It is not unusual for these fears to manifest themselves as stress, alcoholism and even suicide,” the magazine added.

An Garda Síochána has yet to have a specialist association to lobby for the rights of homosexual officers - unlike other European police forces.

Garda Review told how England’s Staffordshire Police had become Britain’s most “gay-friendly” employer after changing the force’s policies towards homosexuals.

Now gay and lesbian officers want An Garda Síochána to catch up with their European counterparts and take greater steps to accommodate their needs and change attitudes among other officers.