Homophobia must be tackled in all its forms, MEP Martina Anderson has said.
The Sinn Fein representative was speaking before taking part in a panel discussion in Derry as part of the Foyle Pride celebrations, which got under way yesterday.
The festival celebrates the lives of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in the North West, promoting inclusion and respect and celebrating city’s rich cultural mix.
Ms Anderson said the festival was a “fantastic occasion” as it provided the opportunity to “stand in solidarity” with the LBGTQ&I community and celebrate the contribution they make to society.
The Sinn Fein representative added: “Thankfully, attitudes are changing and society is becoming much more welcoming to the gay community.
“Difficulties still exist however and, unfortunately, homophobic attitudes remain in some quarters. These must be challenged.
“Sinn Féin has been to the forefront of supporting the LGBTQ&I community and have been driving the campaign for marriage equality.
“We have tabled motions in local Councils from Cork to Belfast and Dublin to Derry. And we again had SDLP, DUP and UUP councillors not supporting the motions.
“Sinn Féin is the only political party where all MLAs turned up and voted in favour of marriage equality in Stormont 2013.
“In Europe as a member of the LGBT Intergroup I have hosted delegations from the LGBTQ&I community in the North and challenged discrimination against the gay community across all member states.”
Ms Anderson concluded: “Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for the LGBTQ&I community and challenge homophobia and discrimination wherever it arises.”
Highlight of the festival, a regular event since it began in 2010, will be a colourful parade which leave Waterside Railway Station at 2.00pm tomorrow and make its way away across Craigavon Bridge, up Carlisle Road, along Ferryquay Street and down Shipquay Street to Guildhall Square.
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