Decades-old government records recently released by the Department of Justice in Ireland have revealed the existence of homophobic attitudes within the civil service during the 1970s and 80s. The documents shed light on the state’s aversion to removing the criminal ban on same-sex relationships, with concerns that decriminalization would lead to public displays of homosexual relationships. The journey towards decriminalization in Ireland, which occurred in 1993 following legal action by Senator David Norris, was marked by resistance from various agents of the State who sought to prevent further gains towards equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
The newly released records include a confidential memo from November 1977 addressed to then-Minister Gerry Collins, which warned that decriminalizing homosexuality would be seen as an act of acceptance that went against the State’s position at the time. The memo stated that removing the ban could be interpreted as society’s acceptance of homosexual practices, rather than simply removing a prohibition. It also suggested that efforts would be made to have the decriminalization interpreted as a positive act of acceptance, and invoked the homophobic trope of connecting the LGBTQ+ community with pedophilia.
A dance event held in London in 1979, aimed at raising funds for the activities during Gay Pride week.
Similarly, in August 1985, an official in the Office of the Attorney General expressed resistance to campaigning for social equality, stating that demands from homosexual groups would extend beyond the repeal of specific statutory provisions. There was concern that these groups would seek a more prominent legal and political role related to family and succession rights. Additionally, a senior member of An Garda SÃochána, the national police service, voiced opposition to lifting the ban on homosexuality, while suggesting that offenses of this nature should become statute barred after a certain period to protect potential victims of blackmail.
Senator David Norris pictured in 1993, the significant year when the decriminalization of homosexuality took place in Ireland.
The recently released records provide insight into the discriminatory attitudes that existed within the Irish civil service during the 1970s and 80s. Despite the advocacy and campaigning efforts by the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland, the State was hesitant to remove the ban on same-sex relationships, fearing it would lead to public acceptance of homosexuality. These attitudes highlight the struggles and obstacles faced by the community in their fight for legal and social equality.
