Sexuality and gender have long been thorny issues in Ireland. While women played prominent roles during the Gaelic revival and struggle for independence they were treated as second class citizens in the Free State, and for much of the Republic's history. Deviations from sexual or gender norms were discouraged through criminal legislation and a wilful ignoring of the issues. In the 1970s a slow change began to build.
The Irish Women's Liberation Movement was established in 1970 and began to campaign for change. In the ensuing years and decades the rights of women in Ireland were revolutionised. Contraception was legalised, the right to work was secured, marital rape was criminalised, and the Equal Pay Act was passed. In 1995 one of the final impediments for women to define their own future was removed when the referendum legalising divorce was passed.
Though groups had been campaigning for gay rights in Ireland since the '70s they didn't enjoy any real success until the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993. This began a period of reform that saw equal rights extended to Ireland’s LGBT community in the workplace and before the law. Though campaigns for the introduction of same-sex marriage and an end to the ban on gay men donating blood are ongoing Ireland is radically transformed from the world of 40 years ago.
‘Talking History’ takes a look at the history of sexuality and gender in modern Ireland. Join us as we look at how Ireland has changed and become the island that we all know today. What was life like in Ireland before these changes? What started Ireland on the road to change? How has sexuality and gender changed in relation to Irish politics? And were these topics ever discussed on the national stage before the 1970s?
Ciaran also talked with Johann Hari about his latest book, 'Chasing the Scream', and its documenting of the long running war on drugs. A full list of 'Talking History' book recommendations can be found here.
