New bill announced to prevent legal discrimination against gay teachers

The Equality Minister has said that the government will not oppose an opposition bid to overturn laws allowing discrimination against gay teachers.

The Anti-Austerity Alliance is tabling a bill tonight which would amend the controversial clause known as 'Section 37'.

That law allows schools and hospitals to discriminate against gay teachers, if the school is run by a religious order trying to maintain its ethos.

Michael Nugent of Atheist Ireland said the law forces gay teachers to conceal their sexuality, even when they are discussing the subject with the Taoiseach.

"Normally when a group meets the Taoiseach you have a photograph afterwards," said Mr Nugent "but at that group photograph the teacher had to step out of the photo because she was afraid that if her school saw her she would be discriminated against."