The Taoiseach was speaking at a reception to mark the 25th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced that work is underway on expunging the convictions of gay men prosecuted in Ireland prior to 1993.
Last week, an official apology was issued by Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan to those who were convicted of homosexuality before it was decriminalised.
On Sunday, Varadkar stated that he anticipates that the process of expunging the convictions via legislation will take time to fully incorporate, but he is optimistic that it will be carried out.
In front of an audience an audience of approximately 700 people at Dublin Castle, he urged the citizens of Ireland to remember and respect those who fought for gay rights, and those who were persecuted for doing so.
He highlighted the people who felt that they had no choice other than to leave the country due to a lack of proper treatment afforded to those with AIDS.
Varadkar also reminded those in attendance of the strides Ireland has made with regards to equality in recent years.
“The most remarkable thing about being gay in Ireland today is that it is unremarkable,” he said Varadkar.
“History is changed by hope,” the Taoiseach added.
We’ve gathered to mark the 25th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality. This evening we are acknowledging the historic wrong that was done to gay people in this country for far too long & recognising all the activists who campaigned for change. #Pride25 pic.twitter.com/FohqBc57LY
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) June 24, 2018
Minister for Children Katherine Zappone and Independent Senator David Norris were also on hand, with Zappone quick to praise the efforts of lesbian Irish revolutionaries, including Dr Kathleen Lynn.
She pointed to the recent referendum result in which the country voted overwhelmingly to repeal the Eighth Amendment as a sign of significant progress, noting that said result was far from a given.
Zappone hailed “the product of hard work, and the profit of sacrifice of many.”
Norris, meanwhile, welcomed the apology from the State but expressed his desire to see a similar one issued by the Church.
Elsewhere, Varadkar promised that the Children and Family Relationships Act of 2015 will be looked at in Dáil Éireann this week, as same-sex couples continue to seek equal parental rights in Ireland.
Earlier on Sunday afternoon, the Taoiseach was in attendance alongside President Michael D. Higgins at Dublin Castle to honour the 60th anniversary of Ireland’s involvement in UN Peacekeeping missions around the world.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
