Marriage Equality's June Advocate of the Month
1 Jun 2011
Image via ProgressiveChange.ieShe is one half of the dynamic duo fighting to have their Canadian marriage legally recognised in Ireland through a long battle in the Irish courts, and is one of the reasons Marriage Equality was formed back in 2008. Most recently she has been appointed by the Taoiseach - nominated by Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore - to Seanad Eireann in recognition of her work as an activist for social justice in Ireland for many years.
This month we are over the moon to be able to add the newly appointed Senator Katherine Zappone to our list of Advocates of the Month for June!
Katherine is a prominent figure in the field of human rights and equality, both in her work with the Human Rights Commission, her work with communities in West Dublin and in her own personal fight for justice in the Supreme Court, due to be heard later this year.
Together with her partner Ann Louise Gilligan, Katherine is an icon for the marriage equality movement here in Ireland and around the world, and also a huge part of the reason that we finally have Civil Partnership legislation in Ireland today.
She was recently appointed to Seanad Eireann, and we are looking forward to having such a tireless campaigner for equal rights for lesbian and gay people as a representative and role model as Senator Zappone. In an interview with RTE's Nine O'Clock News (from 12.07 - 14.22) she said:
"My priorities are going to be really the arenas where I've worked so much - community education, community development, also for the rights of lesbian and gay people, and for children and young people." (25 May 2011)
Katherine, on behalf of same sex couples and our friends and families around Ireland, and everyone who believes in justice, equality and love... thank you for all that you've done to fight for the basic right to love, and for equality for same sex couples, our families and our children. We'll be fighting alongside you, and cheering you on every step of the way!