Madam, - It was with great interest that we read Mark Coen's article "Church must not be immune from sections of equality law" (Opinion & Analysis, August 4th). He presents very clear historical background to Section 37(1) of the Employment Equality Act and the reality which it presents for those employed by the churches. He outlines the implications of this exemption for teachers, for example.
While, we as members of the INTO LGBT group are very aware of the implication for us as lesbian, gay and bisexual teachers, the potential implications of this act are far reaching for many. We are aware that being "out" as lesbian, gay and bisexual teachers could be construed as undermining the religious ethos of the institution in which we teach. If and when civil partnership is introduced, a board of management in a denominational school could also view the undertaking of such a partnership by a lesbian or gay staff member as undermining the religious ethos of the school. However, there are heterosexual teachers who are living together who might avail of civil partnerships; there are divorced teachers who will remarry; there are teachers who do not attend obligatory religious services. All are affected by this legislation. The list is endless.
Any of these teachers could be in a position whereby their lifestyle could be viewed as being at odds with the tenets of a particular faith school in which they teach and could thus be construed as undermining its ethos. A denominational employer could then move to dismiss this employee and no action could be taken against the church employer as it is exempt under Section 37(1).
That this piece of legislation exists in the Republic of Ireland in the 21st century beggars belief. We are a democracy, not a theocracy. While homosexuality was decriminalised in 1993, Section 37 (1) enshrines in legislation the rights of religiously controlled institutions to discriminate against any person whose lifestyle is perceived to be contrary to the ethos of that institution.
The INTO LGBT group was formed three years ago and one of our main aims is to build awareness of the impact of this legislation on our lives and to seek its removal. That Section 37 (1) exists casts a long shadow over us and forces us in most instances to hide our orientation for fear of losing our jobs. In this enlightened age this piece of legislation is a blot on our equality laws and should be removed immediately. - Yours, etc,
DAMIAN McGRATH (Secretary),
SHEILA CROWLEY (Chairperson),
INTO Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgendered Group,
Parnell Square, Dublin 2.