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Shatter supports Pride Day Rally and congratulates Irish Prison Service on initiative
In relation to Pride Day, which takes place on Saturday, Justice Minister Alan Shatter said:
Pride Day Rally is a solidarity rally on the human-rights journey toward LGBT equality. Recognising the need for reform, the rally focuses this year on the civil rights of transgender persons. In this regard, I unequivocally recognise the importance of enacting fully inclusive equality and family legislation. This rally is an expression of hope that we must turn into an enduring time of solid equality-based achievement.Coinciding with Dublin Pride Rally, this week the Irish Prison Service announced that it joined the GLEN Diversity Champions Programme. This Programme is designed to assist Irish employers create a more inclusive environment, for the benefit of their LGBT employees. On foot of this, the Prison Service has introduced a Diversity Champion in each of the State’s 14 prisons who will act as a point of contact for LGBT staff members. This initiative marks an important step forward in the support of LGBT staff members, and helps to ensure that they work in a climate of support and encouragement within the Prison Service. I want to congratulate everyone concerned on the initiative that has been taken.