Eamonn Coghlan tells of attack on son for being gay

World champion athlete turned Fine Gael senator Eamonn Coghlan has said he backs marriage equality as a way to ease prejudice after his gay son was subjected to violent attacks.

Mr Coghlan said he cried for weeks after his son, Michael, came out to him, but wants him to have the same rights as everyone else.

“When I discovered my son Michael was gay, I was devastated. I cried for weeks. The hopes and dreams I had for my son were shattered. I felt guilty, almost as if I was to blame for him being gay.