Criminalisation of homosexuality: Varadkar says sorry to victims

The tribute paid by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in the Dáil to those who were criminalised for homosexual activity, and the apology offered to them by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan close a dark chapter in Irish social history.

The Taoiseach described as heroes those who suffered in silence and dread against a cruel and draconian legal system, but they were victims; the real heroes were people like David Norris, who came out — in every sense — and led the charge in the 1970s to finally win the long battle for reform.