EILE Magazine November 2016 (Vol.4, Issue 5)

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EILE

Magazine V4 Issue 05 - November 2016

Lio Nicol Andrew Marks Defend With Pride

Swords Dublin Band

California Dispatch Inside:

Travel | Film | Fashion |Health | News

EILE Magazine | Who’s Who

Contributors

Mark Anthony Mark is a UCD English graduate, who writes his own menswear fashion blog.

Mark has also produced several fashion shows in the past, all in aid of worthwhile causes M. Butler M. Butler is a writer and editor, with a keen interest in human rights, and has studied philosophy and psychology Lucia Chappelle Lucia Chappelle is Associate Producer of the Los Angeles-based LGBT radio programme This Way Out Scott De Buitléir Scott is founder and Editor-at-Large of EILE Magazine. He is also a writer and broadcaster, originally from Dublin but now based in Nottingham Lisa Reynolds Originally from Co. Meath, Lisa is a fashion industry student, now living in Bray, Co Wicklow, with a great interest in media and celebrity Brian Rochford Brian has studied health, exercise, and nutrition, with a special interest in controlling pain in rheumatism and arthritis Frances Winston Frances Winston is EILE’s resident film buff, and has contributed to many other publications such as The Irish Independent and Irish Tatler

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EILE Magazine | Welcome

Highlights November 2016 Defend with Pride - P.42 Interview with Sgt Richard Muldarry, Chairman of Defend With Pride, the Defence Forces LGBTA Network, and news and photos of the launch

Christine Bovill’s Piaf - P.32 Frances Winston interviews singer Christine Bovill who brought her Édith Piaf show to the Olympia Theatre in Dublin

Health - P.30 Brian Rochford writes on how to control your cholestrol

Music - Pps.6,10,14

Volume 4, Issue 05 Editor-at-Large: Scott De Buitléir Editor: MKB Contributors: Mark Anthony, M. Butler, Lucia Chappelle, Scott De Buitléir, MKB, Lisa Reynolds, Brian Rochford, Frances Winston Photographers: Kelly Elaine, Devin Mroz, La Famos, Karl Odlum NB: All images in this publication are either under Creative Commons licence, or used with permission. Image credits, where necessary, are printed on the corresponding page(s) or photo(s). Any queries can be made to hello@eile.ie Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.

In the November issue our musical artistes include Lio Nicol, Andrew Marks, and Irish band Swords

Web: http://eile.ie

Fashion P.18 and album review P.22

Note: All opinions expressed in this issue are the writers’ own.

Mark Anthony tells us how to be cosy and warm but fashionable, and Lisa Reynolds reviews Jordan Gray’s album

Contact: hello@eile.ie Twitter: @EILEMagazine Facebook: http://fb.com/eilemagazine

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…plus film reviews, news, travel, and much more!

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EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter

Contents 6-

Lio Nicol

10 -

Andrew Marks

14 -

Dublin Band Swords

18 -

Knit Up Fashion

22 -

Review Jordan Gray

26 -

Travel Italy

30 -

Health

32 -

Bovill’s Piaf

36 -

Film With Frances

42 -

Defend With Pride

46 -

California Dispatch

plus World LGBT News, Views, Arts, Entertainment etc

EILE November Edition!

Welcome to the November edition of EILE Magazine In our November issue, we have lots to keep you engrossed . High on the list is an interview with Sgt Richard Muldarry - Chairman of the Defence Forces LGBTA network, Defend With Pride.

We have musical guests galore with Lio Nicole, Andrew Marks, Dublin band Swords, and an interview with Christine Bovill about her show singing Édith Piaf.

Mark Anthony tells us how to keep warm and look good in the cold, Lisa Reynolds reviews Jordan Gray’s last album, Brian Rochford writes about lowering your cholestrol, and California Dispatch’s Lucia Chappelle writes on the demise of some iconic LGBT news media in the US. Frances Winston reviews the lastest movies, and our travel destination is Italy.

All this and much more in this November edition of EILE Magazine...

Enjoy!

Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-at-Large

EILE Magazine EILE Magazine

See our film reviews

by Frances Winston

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Lio Nicol This month, we feature the talented Lio Nicol, and find out about her newest release, Blame.

Lio Nicol, the Montanaborn, California-based singer/songwriter has a 5-octave range, and has to be heard to be believed.

Her latest pop/jazz/rock track shows some of that range, and a voice-control that belies her age. These talents are also in evidence on her previous tracks, including a fabulous version of Hallellujah, that starts off slow and sweet, and becomes fierce rock as her voice soars towards the end. Think of the wonderful Eva Cassidy, and you’ve some idea what this songstress is capable of.

Originally from Montana, after a few semesters of studying biology, Lio left her hometown of Missoula, and relocated to California in 2010, to pursue a career in music. She is a talented pianist and guitarist, and has found her greatest passion lies within songwriting. Finding inspiration in such legends as Diane Warren, Nicol’s songwriting reflects her thoughts, and includes themes of love and heartbreak.

Her amazing vocals, soaring over indieEILE Magazine

pop instrumentals, have had many compare her to Mariah Carey and Florence and The Machine.

Lio Nicol has toured and recorded with some of the industry’s top musicians, as well as Grammy award-winning producers. She has performed all over North America, in a variety of concerts, including the Dragon Boat Festival, Durango Expo, House of Blues San Diego, The Mint in Los Angeles, and many others.

You can hear more of Lio Nicol on SoundCloud at: soundcloud.com/lionicol or follow her on Facebook and Twitter at: www.facebook.com/lionicol twitter.com/lionicol or download Blame from iTunes

Mesmerised by her 5-octave range, and her natural ability to dip into almost any genre, loyal fans want to see and hear more of the talented Lio Nicol.

To find out where you can see Lio Nicol live and for other updates, visit her website at: www.LioNicol.com.

-MKB

Cover Art for Blame

All photos by Kelly Elaine of Kelly Elaine Photography EILE Magazine

Lio Nicol by Kelly Elaine

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Andrew Marks This New York-born singer/ songwriter/producer has just released a stylish video to go with his great new single, Seasons The latest single, Seasons, from LA-based singer-songwriter and New York native, Andrew Marks, shows how effortlessly this artist can turn his amazing voice to many styles, in a track that is upbeat while singing about loss.

taken and compared to a previous beautiful acoustic track called Some Minds, shows his versatility and virtuosity, as he develops his already-mature sound.

Marks’ timeless sound (acoustic/pop/rock) has been influenced by the coffee-house scene on the US eastern seaboard, and Seasons,

Hearsay Music notes that he is “…a songwriter who creates heartfelt lyrics…that make you stop and listen.”

Not only are Marks’ vocal and writing abilities impressive, he is an accomplished guitarist and producer.

Over the past year, he has teamed up with an extensive range of producers and creators, to work on the next phase of his career, and discovered a whole new voice in the process.

Marks released his debut album To The Water in 2014. His first fulllength album was produced, written, recorded, mixed and mastered by Marks himself. He has been touring the country performing at colleges, coffeehouses and clubs across the country. He has made appearances

Marks uses his passion for travel, people and new sounds to help mold his music. He is most notably recognized for his compelling vocals and songwriting prowess.

“The feeling deep down is good”

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on college television, local radio and his song Feeling Better was featured in the independent film The White Year. His unique voice, playing style and poetic lyrics create the captivating and intimate performance that have earned him a solid and growing fan base among the college crowd.

His brand new single, Seasons, written and produced by Andrew Marks and Mike Adrian, is a new direction for Marks, who has translated that direction into a track that is uniquely his own. By concentrating on his music, and being unafraid to try something new, Marks has become an artist of note . Well worth a listen!

-MKB You can buy Seasons on iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sea...

Listen on SoundCloud at: soundcloud.com/andrewmarksmusic/seasons

All main photos courtesy of LaFamos

or Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/user/andrewmarksmusic or follow Andrew Marks at:

https://twitter.com/andrewmmusic http://www.andrewmarksmusic.com/

Andrew Marks Photo: Devin Mroz

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Cover Art for Seasons

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Dublin Band Swords Launch Album ‘Tidal Waves’

Dublin alternative band Swords have a new album out called Tidal Waves, which was released in October. The album was launched in the Workman’s Club in Dublin on Friday, November 11, at 8 pm.

Swords are a three-piece band, comprising Diane Anglim (vocals/piano) Jarlath Canning (bass/guitars/synth) and Ian

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Frawley (drums).

Their sound is a blend of guitars, synths, drums, piano hooks, and the ethereal vocals of Diane Anglim.

Tidal Waves is their second studio album.

The album was officially released on 28th October 2016, on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify, etc, with physical copies available in Tower Records in Dublin.

It has so far reached No. 3 on the iTunes

Swords Photo by Karl Odlum EILE Magazine 15

Main Charts, and No.1 on the iTunes Alternative Charts.

Tidal Waves follows Swords’ debut album, Lions & Gold, and marks a departure from the band’s layered sound to a more live, organic, and considered approach to writing and recording.

“We gave a lot of thought to what type of songs we wanted to write, how we wanted to record and how the album should sound.

We recorded live as much as possible and tried to let the songs breathe and stand alone without dense production or layers.”

Tidal Waves was produced by platinum-selling producer, Karl Odlum (The Frames, Gemma Hayes, Mic Christopher, Ham Sandwich) and mastered by Grammywinning engineer, Mandy Parnell (Feist, Bjork, The xx, Sigur Ros, Tame Impala).

The release features the single, Betty Machete, which was described as: “One of those songs that makes an immediate impression” by Nialler9 and “Insanely catchy. A triumph”

by Hot Press Magazine, and the single ‘The Letter’, which The Last Mixed Tape described as showcasing “how much mood Swords can create with their music”.

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For the Tidal Waves Album Launch, Swords played a headline show at The Workman’s Club on Wellington Quay, Dublin 2, on Friday, November 11th 2016.

It was a packed venue, and the band sounded great as they played tracks from the album.

As one of their fans commented: “They are one of the few bands who sound even better live”.

From what I heard from them on the night, and from listening to their excellent track Sixty Thousand Years on YouTube, I had to agree. The track showcases Anglim’s amazing voice over pared back instrumentals, mainly keyboards and minimalist drum sounds, with great production values.

This band is definitely one to watch.

-MKB

Tidal Waves is available digitally on iTunes,and Amazon Spotify & Google Play and other online services

Alb Medjbe

Swords - from left Jarlath Canning, Diane Anglim, and Ian Frawley

bum Cover Photo: Ruth er - Design: Eoin Maguire

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Knit Up! Mark Anthony writes on how to look good and keep warm on the chilliest Autumn/Winter days It doesn’t matter whether your knitwear has been donated by a Kashmiri goat, an Australian Merino sheep, or if it has come from the cottonplains in the United States - knitwear has become a huge part of every man’s clothing collection.

And I’m not just talking about utility, but style too.

Over the past couple of decades, there have been so many advances in the quality of yarn, milling technology, and even printing techniques, that knitwear has become much more flexible in the contemporary man’s wardrobe.

However, that does not mean that all knits are born equal. There will always be some that will have you looking like a James Bond villain (and not in a good way) - an ignominy that no stylish gent should have to go through.

It essentially comes down to the fit. Stay away from all kinds of knitwear that fits a little too tightly - it’s very uneasy to see. You want the knit looking on point, instead of clapped out. It’s colder than a witch’s tit out there, so what you need is a tightly-ribbed jumper to keep that chill out. The list is endless. . .

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Scotch & Soda

Massimo Dutti

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A go-to Winter warmer is without a doubt the roll-neck, or the turtle-neck, or the polo-neck whatever you want to call it really. You could say that the neck acts as a second scarf.

Scotch & Soda

The roll-neck is a must-have in any guy’s wardrobe. Opt for jewel-tones, and achieve that retro look by wearing them underneath crew-necks and shirts. When styled right, this is something that can give you a slap of masculine elegance.

However, none of this will be achieved if you opt for paperthin materials.

Since first being worn by fishermen, the cable-knit jumper

has stuck around for every Winter since the beginning of its existence. You can see why a fisherman would want something like a cable-knit to fend off the elements at sea, right? As well as that, this is a style that works for all ages, because of the sheer volume 20 EILE Magazine

available. It’s not only durable and insulating - it’s a smart Winter choice.

Asos

OK, so let’s set one thing straight, it may be Winter, but please stay away from novelty jumpers (for now). If you go for a graphic knit, then it should be bold and artistic. It should bring your whole outfit into sharp focus. You don’t need people questioning if you are on your way to your Christmas party. Go on though, add a little fun to that wardrobe of yours.

And last, but certainly not least - let’s get a little slouchy.

But stylishly slouchy. This is a jumper that is so versatile for the Winter; it’s an easy statement and it is, of course, very comfy. However, it is very easy to feel lazy in a big ol’ jumper. The key is to get out there and show a little edge. It’s time for you to experiment with layering, and essentially, your frame.

There is one thing all of these knits have in common - they all represent decades of sartorial engineering. All of their key elements have remained

unaltered, making sure that these knits are not merely a fad.

They have served their purpose for more generations than we can count, and with their aesthetic and practical appeal, it seems likely they will continue to do so for another couple of generations.

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Album Review of

Jordan Gray’s album, The Baffled King Lisa Reynolds Reviews Jordan Gray’s most recent album, The Baffled King The Voice UK semifinalist 2016, Jordan Gray’s (aka Tall Dark Friend) new single, Platinum, comes out on November 25th, with the single launch on November 24th, in Chinnerys, SouthendOn-Sea in Essex.

Baffled King (taken from the famous line in Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah. Jeff is one of her idols fact-fans.)

The Baffled King (2015) has a very commercial, yet very new and original sound. A difficult balance to strike, but she does it perfectly. The tracks are all quite different from each other, but still slot very well into their places on the album.

Support on the night will come The opening track is When from fellow Voice contestant, I Do, which is a beautifully Lydia Lucy, Essex singer/ pieced-together track about songwriter, Ren Stedman, and her journey as a transgender Into Horizon, one of Jordan’s woman. acts in Factor Essex.

The music video for the song was filmed in the middle of October, with singer and author, Mickey Taylor, starring alongside Jordan. In anticipation of her latest track, let’s take a look at her most recent album entitled The

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The music has very theatrical and ethereal qualities, which make it a perfect opening track. Anyone who is familiar with Jordan’s work will know that Corridors is her signature tune. It is a stunning ballad with some pretty cool beatboxing in the middle. The

piano on the song is gorgeous, and the chorus will stick in your head for ages.

Hang With The Happiness is a more recent song of hers, and it has a pop/RnB beat, while Honey, I’m Home (the first song she wrote) has a soulful blues feel. More Than Mates (You & Me) is a pop/ rock number that is extremely catchy and cleverly written. It transitions from each section effortlessly.

There are some very emotive ballads on the album, like King Of Hands, See My Bones, and Way Back When.

Jordan’s vocal has a wonderful storytelling quality, which draws listeners into the songs with ease.

There are countless other artists who are also good at what they do, but don’t have

Jordan Gray

that ability to make you feel anything, or to paint a picture in your mind with the lyrics.

Didn’t You Know? is a track where this storytelling quality really comes into its own.

Jordan has that quality in abundance, which makes the songs extra powerful. That possibly could be because she’s a writer as well.

To date she has written two novels, Dog Bless The Day, and Snap, as well as Beautiful Lights: Living With Hallucinations, about having Persisting Perception Disorder. She is currently writing her third novel, and her autobiography.

Neptune-Tune is a very catchy song that will get you dancing,

as is Now You Need Me (Now You Don’t) while Y.O.L.F.O. is very relatable for anyone from a working-class background.

Girl With the Fringe is a song which grows on you (no pun intended). I have many favourites on the album, and this is one of them. It takes a few listens to appreciate, but afterwards becomes very catchy and sticks in your head.

a glove, and gives it a very cohesive feel.

The Baffled King, by Tall Dark Friend, is currently available to purchase on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ gb/album/the-baffled-king/ id986138371

The closing track is Zero. It has a dramatic, dynamic, theatrical feel, which makes it a perfect closing track.

I love the way the opening and closing tracks instrumentally have a theatrical feel to them.

It makes the album fit like

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Club GASS Don’t miss a great night at the Róisín Dubh in Galway on November25th!

The host for the night is the wonderful Miss KIKI, and DJ AARON will be spinning the discs.

Entertainment will be provided

by Dizzy from Panti Bar. You can find out more at: Facebook.com/Club Gass EILE Magazine 25

Travel

Italian getaways f Boasting the largest lake in Italy and an ever popular tourist destination, Lake Garda is a holiday like no other!

Numerous resorts line the shore and offer choice for couples seeking romantic seclusion as well as families hoping to enjoy some activity.

On the southern bank of Lake Garda,

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the Garda Village is a fantastic holiday getaway for kids of all ages; Mums and dads too! The resort has many amenities such as a private beach, three swimming pools, and just 12km from Gardaland Theme Park.

Explore the cool, blue waters of Lake Garda, situated just outside Verona, for yourself with amazing deals from Italy.ie, the Italy holiday specialists.

Spend 7 nights in a standard bungalow at the 4* Garda Village, Sirmione, Lake

for all the family Garda from only â‚Ź599pp.

Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 7 nights accommodation on a self-catering basis, airport transfers, taxes and charges. Price based on 4 people sharing.

Travel: 27th May 2017 Offer subject to changes and availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Visit Italy.ie for more information or call +353 (1) 6111047.

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Wonderful Italian festive ski holidays The traditional Alpine village of Livigno is nestled in a wide, high-altitude valley, close to the Swiss border. It has a solid snow record and is well-suited to intermediate skiers and boarders and is also home to two large snow parks that are some of the best in Europe.

There’s even a kids’ snow park, designed for children as young as three years, with nine obstacles completely made of plastic - a great way for the little ones to practice their first tricks.

The traffic-free, open-air shopping mall offers a very unique experience. There are over 250 shops with well-known brands and exclusive boutiques as well as classic souvenir shops. And best of all, the whole resort is duty-free.

With so many great value self-catering apartments in town, it’s little surprise that Livigno has over 55 restaurants in the town and 10 restaurants on the mountain plenty to choose from!

Fly direct to Verona from Dublin every Saturday from 24th December 2016 until 18th March 2017.

Livigno Christmas Offer departing 24th December: Fly Dublin to Verona, spend 7 nights in the 2* BB Hotel Caravasc on a b&b basis from only €709pps (based on two people sharing) Fly Dublin to Verona, spend 7 nights in the 3* Golp Guja Apartments on a self-catering basis from only €629pp (based on four people sharing) Livigno New Year Offer departing 31st December: Fly Dublin to Verona, spend 7 nights in the 3* Hotel Valeria on a half-board basis from only €999pp Fly Dublin to Verona, spend 7 nights in the 3* Golp Guja Apartments on a self-catering basis from only €769pp (based on four people sharing) To book your holiday or to order a guide call the Crystal Ski Holidays Specialists on 01 4331080 or visit www.crystalski.ie Crystal is fully licensed by commission of aviation regulation (TO 029).

Alternatively, drop in to the Crystal Ski Holidays office on Duke Street, just off Grafton Street, in Dublin, to pick up the new 2016/2017 guide. Or you can contact your local Travel Agent and ask for the Crystal Ski Holidays price.

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Health

Cholestrol Brian Rochford writes on how to control your cholestrol Some research findings suggest that cholesterol is responsible for the deaths of as many as 4 million people around the world every year. Making adjustments to our daily lifestyle, like introducing a fitness routine, can help reduce this frightening statistic.

Another welcome improvement would be to cut out habits like smoking, and eating certain foods that can increase your cholesterol levels. Some reports have indicated that certain risk factors can be quickly reversed, and these interventions can have a long-term benefit for anyone willing to implement these changes.

High cholesterol has been linked to overindulgence in salty, sugary, and fatty foods, and these foods become even more dangerous when they are allied with the consumption of alcohol and smoking.

We all know that high cholesterol is linked to heart disease, but it can be confusing as to how your body will can react to the variety of fats that you consume. Some experts say that maintaining your cholesterol at a good level can help prevent heart problems.

Individuals who have heart problems, or anyone with a family history of cardiovascular issues, can begin to introduce a simple healthy change 30 EILE Magazine

of diet to include omega 3 oils, such as flax oil, and exercise, which in time will implement a real change for the better, and improve the quality of your life.

Your body must have a certain amount of cholesterol in order to produce necessary hormones. Too much cholesterol causes the arteries to narrow, and this can cause problems for your body. The liver is the main producer of cholesterol, and this is usually categorised as blood cholesterol.

Cholesterol can be divided into two main types.

The first is HDL, which means high density lipoprotein, and LDL, which stands for low density lipoprotein. The HDL type is healthy cholesterol, as it is responsible for collecting any cholesterol remaining in the arteries and transports it to the liver, where it is processed and removed from the body.

It is important to note that having an active lifestyle, and participating in a daily routine of exercise, can increase levels of HDL. Increasing your levels of HDL can reduce the risk of a stroke or a heart attack. LDL cholesterol goes from the liver to the arteries, and throughout the body. However, the difference with this type of cholesterol is that it sticks to the artery wall, resulting in a reduced blood supply to the heart and the brain.

Indulging in foods that are high in saturated

fat can increase levels of LDL, increasing the risk of a stroke and heart disease. Eating large amounts of saturated fat from animals or foods like cheese, cream, butter, and even cakes and biscuits etc, can, over time, upset the body’s natural balance.

You can improve your health, and reduce the risk of heart problems, by making practical adjustments to your daily lifestyle. For example, start by increasing your daily amount of exercise. Get active by walking more, or take up a sport that you might enjoy. Any improvement or slight change can make a real and lasting improvement, and get you on the road to good health.

sure you include omega 3 oils.

You can also cook your food in a healthy way, instead of frying, you can oven-bake or grill your food. So start today with small practical healthy options, and healthy activities, that can lead to reducing your cholesterol.

Start today by introducing into your daily diet more vegetables and fruit. Introduce a good arrangement of brown breads, rice, and pasta, and also eat more wholegrain foods. Make the choice of low-fat sunflower and olive oil spreads, and low-fat dairy products, and make EILE Magazine 31

Interview with Christine Bovill, star of Christine Bovill’s Piaf, at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre, 9-14 November Frances Winston interviews Christine Bovill, whose show about Édith Piaf is intertwined with Christine’s own story.

For a gregarious, cheerful, jazz aficionado from Glasgow, tragic French singer, Édith Piaf, may not seem like the most obvious choice of inspiration. However, for Christine Bovill, she has become very much a part of her life.

Her show, Christine Bovill’s Piaf, which she brings to Dublin’s Olympia Theatre from the 9-14 November, sees her intertwine her life with that of Piaf’s, while singing the songs made famous by the legendary chanteuse, known affectionately as The Little Sparrow. Christine’s love affair with Piaf is one that she jokes began “400 years ago”.

“I used to collect and listen to jazz records, and an Irish friend said I should listen to this singer called Édith Piaf, and I can trace the moment where I heard her singing ‘No 32 EILE Magazine

Regrets’ as the beginning of my obsession”.

a privilege it is to be able to do this full time.”

It’s an obsession that turned into a career, as the aforementioned show has received huge acclaim all over the world. From teaching all day, while performing Piaf at night, to touring the world fulltime singing the songs of her icon, is quite a leap, but one that always seemed imminent.

By her own admission, she never took on a full-time teaching contract, working instead as a substitute (albeit usually a full-time one on long contracts) and she was always conscious that she wanted the freedom to be able to leave the day job should the opportunity arise. Not that it was necessarily an easy decision to walk away from regular paid work for a career in the arts. As she explains:

Of course, since Piaf tragically died in 1963, just a couple of months shy of her 48th birthday, many of the people attending Christine’s shows are unlikely to have ever seen her live, and she admits that some people are surprised to realise that she’s not a tribute show.

“There was a period where I was doing little pockets of teaching and also performing and recording. But I realised that you get no respect in the industry if you’re doing something outside of it, so I left the classroom for good to concentrate on this. And what

Having toured Ireland three times previously to huge acclaim, this is her first time performing in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre, something which she is very excited about. However, while the Olympia does have an intimate feel, it is not quite as up close

“This is very much my story intertwined with her songs and story. It’s different every night as it’s just me singing and talking, and although there is a structure it can change. They seem to get a surprise as well when I sing in French, and I get a lot of people telling me that their husband or wife was the fan and that they didn’t actually realise how many of her songs they knew,” she remarks.

and personal with the audience as some of the other venues she has played in the past. Which begs the question: Does this torch singer prefer being able to see the whites of her audiences eyes in an intimate venue, or just looking out into the blackness knowing they are there in a large theatre.

“That’s a very good question,” she ponders.

“I mean they’re both very different. I’d like to think that I’ve polished the show [so] that it feels very intimate no matter where you are seeing it. The thing is you’re very vulnerable up there. You’re putting yourself out there, and it’s a lonely place to be up there on a stage on your own. There is something of a luxury at looking out at a sea of blackness but knowing that the audience is there. I think it’s much more difficult to perform in intimate venues, but on the other hand I love that intimacy. They both have their merits,” she says diplomatically.

Piaf has a huge gay following, like so many tragic divas, but Christine admits that it’s something she probably doesn’t tap into enough saying:

during her run in the Olympia, and she couldn’t be happier.

“Irish audiences have always really taken to the show,” she exclaims. “It’s astonishing. And I have family in Dublin and they’re all coming along. It’s such a great venue so it’s really exciting, and I hope it goes down as well there as everywhere else.”

Christine Bovill’s Piaf plays in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre, from 9-14 November, with tickets from €28.90 http://www.christinebovill.com

“This is very much my story intertwined with her songs...”

“I never really think of it. It’s not something I have consciously gone after. I know that Piaf does have a large following in the gay community so maybe I should focus on that a bit more,” she ponders.

Outside of Piaf, Bovill has released two of her own albums, The Sentence That I Serve, and Derby Street, and is an award-winning songwriter – something which she admits came about because of her Piaf show. However, next year might see her merge the two parts of her musical personality as she revealed: “I’m in talks with a management company in London and they are looking at putting together a tour next year where I’d get to do my stuff and the Piaf stuff in the same show in [a] West End show. Kind of an introducing Christine Bovill thing” Exciting times indeed for Christine. But in the meantime, she is set to entertain audiences

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LGBTQ Rights Lawyers Who Serve The Community Queerbio has compiled a list of a dedicated group of LGBTQ attorneys who are, or have been, on the front lines of advancing and protecting the minority rights of their clients ,or the LGBTQ community as a whole. They take on specific cases which challenge the absence of protective laws, the interpretation of existing legislation, or the application of law.

Their specific areas of expertise can include issues which LGBTQ people may face in their daily lives, such as employment, housing, or other discrimination; immigration; marriage equality; AIDS/HIV, transgender, or other healthcare issues; family law; and criminal law.

While some individuals work in just one of these content areas, others may specialize in some or all of them.

They go on to work, or have obtained their experience working, in public service organizations, or community interest groups, that deal with a specific area of law. The individuals noted here have either made their mark as individual lawyers practising on behalf of clients, or continue to do so.

For example, Peter Ashman, from Ireland, who died in 2014, played an important role in a landmark case in the late 1970s (the case of Jeff Dudgeon) that decriminalised homosexuality in Northern Ireland. Also Shannon Mintner, transgender from the US, who was lead counsel for same-sex couples in the landmark California marriage equality case.

Queerbio has identified many other LGBTQ lawyers, representing the community’s legal challenges, from China, India, Canada, Finland, Great Britain, Sweden, South Africa, the United States, Sri Lanka, Botswana, Ireland, Mexico, Jamaica, and France.

To read the fascinating biographies of these lawyers from around the world, go to Queerbio.com (eile.ie 8 November 2016)

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Design: Anthony Zagariko, exclusively for EILE Magazine

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Frances Winston on Movies Directed by Tom Ford Starring: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney, Andrea Riseborough, Michael Sheen Since this is pretty much the Tom Ford show ( he wrote, directed and co-produced it) you just know that this is going to be a stylish affair. And indeed, it has possibly one of the most striking openings you will ever see in a movie. Couple this with the fact that the source material for this, the 1993 Austin Wright novel, Tony and Susan, is an extremely complex and mesmerising work, and you should have all the elements of a tense drama.

Adams plays Susan, a gallery-owner, who on the surface, has it all. However, her marriage to Hutton (Hammer) is in trouble, and the couple are facing financial ruin. Out of the blue, she receives a copy of a manuscript her ex-husband, Edward (Gyllenhaal) has written, called Nocturnal Animals.

Intrigued, she sits down to read it, and finds herself deeply moved by the story, about a man, whose wife and daughter are raped and murdered, after they are accosted on the road by a gang in the middle of the night. He must then work with a world-weary detective, to try and bring the perpetrators to justice. As she reads, she also begins recalling her life with Edward, and is forced to deal with things long buried.

This is incredibly meta. As she reads the book, the actions within are portrayed on screen, so we essentially get a story within a story. But we also have the flashback story of Edward and Susan’s relationship.

So in theory, you are actually getting three tales. Gyllenhaal takes on the dual role of Edward and the books protagonist, and gives an astonishing performance. For Adams’ part, she is subtle and understated, conveying numerous feelings and relationship histories with just a glance.

The rest of this impressive ensemble cast all do a great job, although some only have fleeting appearances. Linney in particular is very memorable playing Susan’s mother.

The scenes from the book are gritty, but the scenes in Susan’s real life almost look like a Vogue shoot. They are super-sleek, and everything, from the furniture to the clothes, looks as if it was just taken straight from the showroom or catwalk.

This gives it a somewhat antiseptic feel, which may not work on another movie, but here serves to reinforce how fake and unfulfilling Susan’s life has become.

This is a fascinating watch that will leave you with numerous questions. Although it jumps back and forth between the various stories, it doesn’t become confusing. When it finally ends, it is deeply unsatisfying, but in a good way, as you feel you must see what happens next.

Gripping, engaging, and stylishly grotesque, this is a great movie that will certainly give you plenty to talk about afterwards.

In Cinemas Now!

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Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma Amy Adams has certainly been busy, as this is her second release this month, along with Nocturnal Animals. This sci-fi thriller is based on the 1998 short story, Story of Your Life, and from the off, you get the impression that it isn’t your run-of-the-mill alien invasion movie.

We meet linguist, Louise Banks (Adams) as she takes us through her daughter’s life and death in a montage, before she starts telling us about when ‘they’ arrived. As mysterious ‘heptapods’ appear around the world, governments are baffled. Realising they need to understand what they aliens want, US Army Colonel Weber (Whitaker) employs Louise and scientist, Ian Donnelly (Renner) to try and figure out their language.

It turns out to be incredibly complex, and Louise and Ian spend a lot of time with the extra terrestrial visitors. However, when other territories think they have interpreted a hostile message, Louise must try and convince them that they’re wrong, all the while struggling with flashbacks to incidents that she doesn’t actually remember.

Forget the likes of Independence Day. There are no hostile aliens shooting laser weapons here. In fact, the actual creatures are rather underwhelming, and never take centre-stage. Despite the basic premise, this is a human story about life, death, and everything in-between. It is low on action, but high on emotion, and the ending is deeply affecting. It is thoughtful and thought-provoking, with a fantastic performance from Adams. Renner and Whitaker are also great, but very much just catalysts to allow Louise’s story to evolve.

Much of the movie is set in the confines of the army base, or on board the heptapod, which gives it a feeling of claustrophobia, and there is some gorgeous cinematography.

The script is wonderful, and manages to avoid blinding the viewer with science, despite the premise.

This is a fantastic movie that surprises at every quarter. The final twist is truly astonishing, and ultimately it is incredibly moving. It raises numerous questions about how we perceive time, and our futures, and will have you questioning everything you know long after it ends.

Not just one for sci-fi fans, anyone who loves a good drama will relish this.

In Cinemas November 10th!

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Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Scott Derrickson – Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt, Scott Adkins, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton Well lookee at that. Just in time for Hallowe’en costume inspo, comes the latest offering from the juggernaut that is Marvel Studios. 43 years after he first graced the pages of Strange Tales, Dr Strange gets his own movie.

Originally introduced into the Marvelverse in order to portray a ‘different’ type of hero, Strange certainly fits that criterion, and is far more cerebral and less physical than your usual person of the super variety.

This big-screen outing sees Cumberbatch taking on the eponymous role. Dr Steven Strange is a renowned neurosurgeon, until an accident leaves his hands too badly damaged to work.

Refusing to believe that he will never again be able to operate, he learns of a mystical place called KamarTaj, that seemingly helped a

paralysed man to walk.

Upon finding it, he meets the Ancient One (Swinton) who helps him unlock parts of his mind he never knew existed.

As with all Marvel tales though, with this great power comes great responsibility, and when a deadly evil threatens the world, Strange must decide whether to ignore the threat and return to his old life, or to use his new gifts for the good of mankind.

Since this is an origins story, a lot of time is spent establishing the character, so other than his accident, don’t expect any action for at least an hour. Even then – given the nature of his powers – it is far more genteel than the many smash ‘em up spectaculars that Marvel have released. Strange is a more sophisticated hero, and the action scenes reflect that (although, yes, a city does get trashed – that’s a given!)

Cumberbatch is fantastic as Strange. You can’t actually imagine anyone else in the part. He is ably supported by a great cast, and Mads Mikkelsen even manages to make the bad guy, Kaecilius, appear fully rounded.

As you would expect from a Marvel movie, this looks great, and it also has an injection of humour. The

script may sometimes veer on the intellectual side, but it never becomes difficult to follow.

Slick and stylish, this lives up to the hype, but like so many of these films, I have a slight bug-bear with the token femaleism – in this case the job falls to McAdams.

(Swinton’s character is almost gender neutral, so doesn’t really count).

Marvel has recently started trying to make their stories more diverse, but there is not a huge amount of evidence of that here. Also, some fans will be disappointed that they have veered away from some of the comic’s mythology, although their interpretation of the tale does really work.

You know what to expect here, and it delivers in spades.

It’s bloody good fun, a thrill ride (after the first hour) with a hero you care about, and a suitably deranged baddie to boo and hiss at. It sticks to the winning Marvel formula, because if it ain’t broke…

And as always with these films, do sit through the credits for a hilarious clip featuring another well known Marvel icon.

In Cinemas Now!

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Interview - Defend with Pride’s Chairman Richard Muldarry Marian Butler interviews Sgt Richard Muldarry, Chairman of the Irish Defence Forces’ LGBTA network, Defend With Pride MB- Thank you for taking the time to speak with us Richard.Could you tell us when the idea came about, and who was involved in starting Defend With Pride?

With Pride) who had the same ideas and visions as we had.

RM- Actually I believe the idea of an LGBT network had started in two different locations. Myself and Sgt Sue Brennan (secretary of Defend With Pride) were on an overseas mission to Lebanon in 2013, and we began a discussion around the idea and need for it. We noticed that there was no formal platform for LGBT persons.

Although I’ve always found the Defence Forces a positive place to work, we believed there was a lack of awareness, and education perhaps, within the organisation.

RM- We first sent out word to those within the Defence Forces that were openly gay, and arranged to have a meeting with the Equality Officer. I have to say, the day we arrived to the Curragh Camp for that first meeting, I was filled with curiosity and excitement.

The timing was perfect. After our first casual meeting, and throwing around our ideas, the Equality Officer made an arrangement for us to meet up with senior management.

On our arrival back to Ireland, we began planning, but coincidentally, we then received a phone call from the Gender and Equality Officer, who was Comdt Jayne Lawlor at the time. She had already been speaking to Sgt Kim Turner ( treasurer of Defend 42 EILE Magazine

MB- Who did you have to approach to see if it was something you could start up in the Defence Forces?

I spoke at the Launch last month about how that meeting could only be described as group therapy. I think we were all feeling nervous and apprehensive. We sat around the table, and he asked us individually about our experiences of coming out, not only from a Defence Forces point of view, but in our personal lives. It’s hard to

describe, but at that moment it felt that everybody was incredibly honest and raw.

There was no pretense or choreographed conversations, just raw honesty and emotions.

I spoke from the heart like everyone else, some things I had never ever spoken about.

It was a surreal experience, but the interest and respect he gave each of us hearing our story was moving and promising. At the end, he said he was happy to give us permission, and support us with any logistical assistance we needed to form the Defence Forces LGBT network.

MB- Were there any obstacles/objections to the LGBTA group?

RM- After that meeting I mentioned, I can honestly say we had no objections to the network. The support and encouragement we got, not only from senior management, but from our friends and colleagues, was moving.

MB- How did you actually get it started, and

Chairperson of Defend With Pride, Sgt Richard Muldarry (right) and Sgt Sue Brennan Secretary (left)

Photo courtesy of Sgt Muldarry

what was involved?

RM- We then formed up an official committee, and began planning and designing the network. It was with the work of the committee and Equality Officer that we began amending and looking at policies within the Defence Forces, and began making sure we were satisfied with the message of inclusion they portrayed for our LGBT members.

shed light on this regarding the US policy of “don’t ask don’t tell” .

However, we have been looking to other countries like the UK and Australia, who have significant networks in place.

It was all about designing the logo and tag name, and also to get to the core of what the network was about.

Ireland, though, has progressed and embraced change. We saw this with the marriage referendum last year.

The Defence Forces has sworn to protect this country and its people, so it only makes sense that we accept and embrace diversity within the work place, which is a reflection of our modern society.

MB- Is Ireland different to other countries in the army accepting an LGBT group within it?

MB- What were the main aims and purposes in starting Defend With Pride?

RM- Over the past years, we have seen globally in military organisations a recognition of the hardship, violence and discrimination that LGBT soldiers have faced throughout their careers. In 2010, the UN

RM- Our aim is to provide support, information and guidance for LGBT personnel, and Allies, who wish to support colleagues, family and friends. Defend With Pride will do this through peer

support, career advice, social and networking events, and engaging with the wider LGBT community.

MB- What is the estimated number of LGBT people in the Irish army?

RM- I’m afraid we don’t have an estimated number of LGBT people in the Irish army.

I can tell you, however, we have a strong committee of LGBT and allies, working for and on behalf of all LGBT persons serving within the Defence Forces.

EILE Magazine would like to thank Richard and the Defence Forces for this interview.

(News and photos of the Launch on the following pages)

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Irish Defence Forces Official Launch of ‘Defend With Pride’, the LGBTA Network This week (Tuesday 11th October) Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, Chief of Staff, attended the official launch of Defend With Pride, the Irish Defence Forces LGBTA Network, at the Curragh Camp, in Kildare.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Staff highlighted the importance of diversity for both personnel and the organisation, stating:

“The provision and fostering of a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, reflective of Irish society, is our Moral Duty and, for the Defence Forces, it means better decision making, better agility, better resilience.”

At the launch were a number of guest speakers, including Brian Sheehan, Executive Director of GLEN, and Ms Catherine Vaughan, from

Ernst & Young, who is a Senior Manager, Role Model and Diversity Champion, who spoke on inclusive workplaces.

The official launch is also part of the Defence Forces involvement with GLEN’s Diversity Champions Programme.

Defend With Pride, the LGBTA Network, is a resource for all Defence Force personnel.

It aims to provide support, information and guidance for LGBT personnel and Allies, who wish to support colleagues, friends and family.

Chairperson of Defend With Pride, Sgt Richard Muldarry said: “We have been working on this network for almost 4 years and this Tuesday we finally get to have our public launch. I’m honoured to be chairman of Defend with Pride as I believe this is a significant step in military history regarding LGBT support and inclusion. The dedication and effort of the committee over the last few years has made this possible”

Chairperson of Defend With Pride, Sgt Richard Muldarry (right) and Sgt Sue Brennan Secretary (left)

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Brian Sheehan of GLEN (2nd from left) Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM (3rd from left) Catherine Vaughan of Ernst & Young (4th from left) and Chairperson of Defend With Pride Richard Muldarry (5th from left) with members of the committee at the launch

All photos courtesy of Sgt Richard Muldarry

The Defend With Pride committee with the Chief of Staff (left)

EILE Magazine 45

CALIFOR

Stop the (L

mage: http://www.wan-ifra.org

Lucia Chappelle writes about what she sees as the main reasons for the demise of some iconic American LGBT newspapers There’s something about a newspaper that helps forge a community’s sense of identity and purpose. In a fascinating give and take, the newspaper reflects the concerns of the community, and its framing of the issues influences the community’s concerns.

46 EILE Magazine

The digital age of citizen journalism, blogging, and instant-news-by-Tweet notwithstanding, there’s still a need for the intentional, organized outlet for professional journalism as a guide through the maze of ‘free’ information.

Southern California lost its preeminent regional LGBT newspaper, with the death of the 35-year-old Frontiers, in the fiery financial crash of Multimedia Platforms Worldwide (MMPW) that

also took down New York City’s Next Magazine, and Agenda Florida.

You can chalk this up to the crisis in the newspaper industry as a whole, and heaven knows these aren’t the only papers that can’t keep their heads above the red ink, nor the only ones fighting to survive in the new media environment.

News organizations everywhere are being gutted, and infotainment is on

RNIA DISPATCH:

LGBT) Presses!

the rise. But I see another problem that has plagued the LGBT newspaper game for much longer than the challenges of the current scene, something that points to our more fundamental, unresolved divisions.

It matters who owns the press, who frames the issues, whose image of the community gets reflected, who seeks to influence the community, and to what ends.

The Advocate, now one of the leading LGBT magazines in the world, began in 1967 as the newsletter of the Los Angeles organization, PRIDE, and grew to become our queer newspaper-ofrecord. It was sold in 1974 to Bay Area publisher, David Goodstein, who promised to turn it into a national powerhouse, by directing its appeal to ‘upscale’ gay men.

would consider hiring a lesbian journalist, if he could find one who hadn’t been “tainted by the women’s movement”.

When protests against racial discrimination at an upscale West Hollywood gay bar were exploding, The Advocate’s big investigative feature was a travel piece on all the places in the world where black gay men were considered attractive. The prejudice in the community was both reflected, and exploited, for profit.

AIDS brought an end to Goodstein’s sex-and-moresex approach to success, and ‘Lesbian’ was added to the masthead, but the bent toward the upwardly-mobile remained.

Fired employees mocked the new ‘Advocate Touches Your Lifestyle’ slogan, with T-shirts saying ‘Advocate Threatens Your Lifestyle’.

The short-lived Pacific Coast Times, later Coast to Coast Times, was just one of the LGBT newspapers that tried to fill the gap left in Los Angeles, when The Advocate moved north, and then to compete with The Advocate on a national level.

In an interview with Goodstein, I asked how the paper would handle women’s issues. He replied that he

Purchased by real estate developer, David Zohn, in 1978, the paper tried to put news first, and represent

more of the community’s diversity, but Zohn bought into the idea that stratifying the community was the key to increased readership and riches.

He was adamant that a woman would never appear on the cover.

After he drove veteran editor, Ace Lundon, out, staffers began to suspect that Zohn planned to scuttle the paper in short order for a tax write-off, if it didn’t turn a profit right away. When he balked at paying freelance contributors, after moving the paper to expensive West Hollywood offices, staffers absconded with the production boards, to block the issue from going to press.

A settlement was reached, but Zohn pulled the plug on the paper a couple of issues later, at the end of the year, as expected.

The final edition had a picture of disco diva, Donna Summer, on the cover.

The ‘Gay Internet 90s’ brought out the drive to create a queer media dynasty. My memory can’t unravel the swirl of business

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dealings that had the parent company of The Advocate, and the now-defunct websites, PlanetOut, and Gay.com, buying and selling each other to themselves, in a mad game of ‘ring around the stock options’. No matter who was on top, the question of news versus lifestyle was always tied to whose news and whose lifestyle … and that ‘who’ was the affluent audience that could bring in the bucks.

Frontiers’ downfall may be the saddest story of them all. Born during the height of the AIDS crisis, Frontiers featured hard news, as well as entertainment and social avenues. It was definitely a bad sign, when news broke in February, that star journalist/News Editor, Karen Occam, had been unceremoniously let go.

MMPW founder and CEO, Bobby Blair, said the paper was going after a younger, digital audience, and wanted to “give the generation of Millennials a real shot at creating our content”.

Horrified shouts rang out around the country.

From what one can gather from reports on the situation, Blair wasn’t involved in the company’s day-to-day affairs much, from the time he axed Occam, until early September, when a lawsuit was filed by a Massachusetts investment firm that shut the operation down.

The suit alleges several different kinds of fraud, misrepresentation, mismanagement and misappropriation of funds.

Not that Frontiers hadn’t faced financial difficulties before – they first filed for bankruptcy in 2013 – but the unfortunate pattern of queer publishers throwing bad money after good, in search of the ‘rich, dark, handsome strangers’, that will make them happy and prosperous forever, may be more at the root of the problem than the difficult business of running a newspaper.

It matters who owns the

Lucia Chappelle is Associate Producer of the Los Angelesbased LGBT radio programme This Way Out 48 EILE Magazine

LGBT press. It matters who covers queer news. As Karen Occam said in an interview with Press Pass Q: “…we see the nuances, the backstory, and the holistic context that comes with being second-class citizens still fighting for equality. Sometimes, when you are blissfully engrossed in being privileged, you don’t know what you don’t know. Or care. But we must. We report on the scope of our very existence”.

Quality LGBT News and Features – Produced from Los Angeles Available via podcast on our website (thiswayout.org) or on iTunes, and on 200+ Radio Stations Worldwide!

thiswayout.org | Twitter: @TWORadio Overnight Productions (Inc.)/”This Way Out” Post Office Box 1065 Los Angeles, CA 90078 U.S.A. EILE Magazine 49

Mormon Church Updates ‘Mormon & Gay’ Website, And Releases ‘Welcome’ Video “Even though I still don’t understand everything, I know that I don’t have to.

All I am asked to do is love as God would love.”

identities — one can, in fact, be gay and live faithful to the teachings of Christ.

This comment, and many others like it, is included in an updated version of Mormon and Gay, an official website from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The site reinforces the reality that, in the words of one Mormon scripture, God “loveth his children” (1 Nephi 11:17), and seeks to help everyone better understand same-sex attraction from a gospel perspective. They have also released a Welcome video addressing the LGBT community.

Mormonandgay.lds.org features five personal accounts from multiple perspectives — including those who experience samesex attraction, as well as their family, friends and ecclesiastical leaders. Each story reflects the complex and uncertain reality that it is to experience same-sex attraction or know someone who does.

The first version of this website launched in December 2012 under the title ‘Mormons and Gays’. The new appellation, ‘Mormon and Gay’, reflects the reality that a person doesn’t need to choose between these two 50 EILE Magazine

Elder L. Whitney Clayton also speaks to the Mormon LGBT community in a video, telling them that they are welcome.

The website is said by the church to be “a place where the people whose lives are impacted by attraction to the same sex can find inspiration to work through difficult challenges while remaining faithful to Church teachings,” by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

The site “does not offer a comprehensive explanation of everything related to samesex attraction,” he adds, “but it does reflect the feelings of Church leaders as to how we should treat each other as part of the human family.”

In addition to firsthand narratives, the new site includes encouraging comments from Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy.

Speaking directly to Latterday Saints who experience same-sex attraction or identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual, Elder Clayton says, “We want you to know we love you. You are welcome.

We want you to be part of our congregations. You have great talents and abilities to offer God’s kingdom on earth, and we recognize the many valuable contributions you make.”

Visitors to the website can find outlines of official Mormon beliefs about same-sex attraction and

key concepts, themes and vocabulary to help Latterday Saints engage in healthy conversations about this topic.

Their key beliefs include the following: We should love everyone.

Feelings of same-sex attraction are not a sin, and we can choose how to respond.

People who live God’s law can fully participate in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The belief section also includes information about ‘God’s plan, Christ’s infinite capacity to change hearts, and our eternal and core identity as God’s

children’.

Other portions of the website include frequently asked questions, explanations of sexual orientation, tips for parents, guidance for responding to depression and suicide, and information about self-mastery and sexual expression.

One question addresses the use of “same-sex attraction” instead of “gay.” The site says “same-sex attraction is a technical term describing the experience without imposing a label. Church leaders have typically used this term to be inclusive of people who are not

comfortable using a label, not to deny the existence of gay, lesbian, or bisexual identity”.

Translations of two sections of the website—Church Teachings and Frequently Asked Questions—as well as the Same-Sex Attraction entry in Gospel Topics at LDS.org are in progress for Spanish, Portuguese and 35 other languages.

You can learn more about this new section of the Mormon website by visiting: mormonandgay.lds.org (eile.ie 28 October 2016) EILE Magazine 51

HRC Releases Scorecard for LGBTQ Equality in 114th Congress The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has released its Congressional Scorecard measuring support for LGBTQ equality in the 114th Congress. The scorecard shows continued strong support for LGBTQ equality from Democrats and growing bipartisan support for LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections. The 114th Congress saw a record number of Republicans vote at different times to affirm President Obama’s executive order prohibiting discrimination by federal contractors on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections gained important bipartisan support in 52 EILE Magazine

the 114th Congress.

Unfortunately, despite those gains, the 114th Congress failed to advance any proequality legislation and remains an impediment to progress for the LGBTQ community,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.

“Today, a majority of Americans — Republicans, Democrats and independents — all believe that LGBTQ people should be able to live their lives free from fear of discrimination and be protected from discrimination. It’s long past time that Congress reflects the opinion of the majority of fair-minded Americans.”

With 190 Democrats in the House and Senate receiving perfect 100 scores, proequality legislation received exceptionally high levels of support from Democratic lawmakers. In comparison, one House Republican and one Senate Republican earned perfect scores.

“Building on our incredible

support from Democratic elected officials, gaining ground with fair-minded Republicans is important next step to win the support we need to pass important legislation like the Equality Act,” added David Stacy, HRC’s Government Affairs Director. “Winning 62 Republican votes in the House is a historic achievement that can help lay the groundwork for future success.”

Members of Congress were scored based on their votes and co-sponsorships of pieces of legislation that are key indicators of support for LGBTQ equality. Despite the 114th Congress failing to enact any legislation to protect the LGBTQ community, majorities emerged in both chambers on key LGBTQ issues.

In the House, a historic 62 Republicans voted at different times to affirm President Obama’s executive order prohibiting discrimination by federal contractors on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity — nearly double the

total from Republicans on previous LGBTQ non-discrimination votes. And in the Senate, bipartisan majorities voted for amendments supporting spousal benefits for same-sex couples, non-discrimination protections in runaway and homeless youth programs, and non-discrimination protections in education.

What’s more, the number of Republicans earning more than a 50 percent score doubled in the Senate and nearly doubled in the House since the last Congress. Three Republicans — Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Bob Dold (R-IL) and Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) — have endorsed the Equality Act. Unfortunately, despite growing bipartisan support for LGBTQ issues, Congressional leadership did not bring any pro-LGBTQ legislation to the floor. Senate Republican leadership required super majorities on these key amendments, preventing passage.

House Republican leadership shamefully held open a vote and flipped the votes of seven Republicans, torpedoing an LGBTQ equality amendment that would have otherwise passed.

Key Facts:

190 Members of Congress earned perfect scores (188 Democrats, 2 Republicans).

The average score for Representatives was 53.

Average score for Democratic Representatives is 96.

Average score for Republican Representatives is 10.

The average score for Senators was 54.

Average score for Democratic Senators is 98.

Average score for Republican Senators is 20.

The Northeast and West continue to elect Members of Congress with strong support of LGBTQ issues; the average score for Representatives and Senators from the Northeast was 73 and 93 respectively; in the West it was 64 and 57 respectively.

Republican Senators from the Northeast have the highest average, 60, of Republican members from any region.

The HRC Scorecard for the 114th Congress is available online at: www.hrc.org/scorecard (eile.ie 10 October 2016)

EILE Magazine 53

New Record: Translations of Universal Declaration of Human Rights Passes 500 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, already the world’s most translated document, is now available in more than 500 translations with the addition of North Bolivian Quechua to the collection.

“The growing number of translations underscores the universality of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the power of its words to resonate strongly across all cultures and languages” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

The celebrated six-page text, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948, is a milestone document, setting out, for the first time, the fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

The first of its 30 Articles begins:

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” while Article 2 states: “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”

Guinness World Records declared the UDHR the most translated document in November 1999 when the total stood at 298 languages, and updated the certification in 2009 when the number reached 370. Since then, the flow of translations by government offices, civil society organizations and committed individuals has continued. Today the text is available 54 EILE Magazine

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

in languages and dialects from around the world, from Abkhaz to Zulu. It has also been translated into British and Spanish sign language.

SubmissionGuide.aspx

Translation number 501 is into a dialect of the indigenous Quechua language spoken in the north-western Bolivian department of La Paz by some 116,000 people.

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/UDHR/Pages/ UDHRIndex.aspx

More information about the UDHR and the translation project here:

(eile.ie 3 November 2016)

The goal of the UN Human Rights Office is to share the UDHR with the entire world, and anyone is welcome to submit a new translation that is not in the collection for consideration. Here’s how: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/UDHR/Pages/ EILE Magazine 55

Tanzania Suspends Some HIV Programmes For Gay Men Tanzania has suspended community-based HIV/AIDS prevention programmes for gay men, the health minister said on Monday (31st Oct) in the latest crackdown on the high-risk group.

Ummy Mwalimu, Tanzania’s Minister for Health, said the government had received reports that some local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were promoting and normalizing same-sex relationships, as part of their HIV programmes.

Gay sex is illegal in Tanzania and punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

In September, the government threatened to ban groups that ‘promote’ the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in its first public statement against the minority group.

“We have suspended MSM (men who have sex with men) community-based interventions pending (a) review,” Mwalimu told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

The minister, however, said the government would continue to provide HIV/AIDS services to adolescent girls, drug users and other groups.

The East African country has a reputation for being more tolerant towards LGBT people than its neighbour Uganda, but recent comments attacking the group have sparked fears and condemnation from activists.

There are 1.4 million people living with HIV in Tanzania, some 5 percent of the country’s population, according to government statistics.

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HIV prevalence among gay men is higher at 25 percent.

John Kashika, of Community Health Education Services & Advocacy NGO, said suspending HIV/AIDS programs for some LGBT groups was a blow in the fight against the virus.

“This is essentially denial of services to people who are at the highest risk of contracting HIV, there’s going to be a lot of implications,” he said.

(Thomson Reuters Foundation report by Kizito Makoye, edited by Ros Russell) Visit http://www.trust.org (eile.ie 1 November 2016)

EILE Magazine 57

NPG Records & Warner Bros. Records Announce Two New Prince Releases, With Previously Unreleased Music From The Vault Greatest Hits Collection PRINCE 4EVER Arrives on November 25 Remastered, DELUXE Version Of PURPLE RAIN Due Early 2017 NPG Records and Warner Bros. Records have announced two new Prince releases that will celebrate the iconic artist’s music and introduce fans to previously unreleased material from his legendary vault. This will mark the first Prince recordings released since his passing on April 21st of this year.

Released on November 22nd in the U.S. and November 25th around the world, Prince 4Ever will bring together 40 of Prince’s best-loved songs, including the blockbuster hits “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Kiss,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Purple Rain,” “Raspberry Beret,” “Sign O’ The Times,” “Alphabet Street,” “Batdance,” and “Cream”.

Prince 4Ever includes “Moonbeam Levels” — a previously unreleased song originally recorded in 1982 during the 1999 sessions and later considered for the never released Rave Unto The Joy Fantastic album. Prince 4Ever will also arrive with a 12-page booklet of never-beforeseen photos by acclaimed photographer Herb Ritts.

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In addition, early next year will see the release of the much-anticipated remastered, deluxe version of Purple Rain, plans for which were agreed with Prince before he passed away. The remaster of the classic Purple Rain will arrive with a second album of previously unreleased material. More details will be revealed closer to the release date.

The track-listing for Prince 4Ever is as follows: 1. 1999 2. Little Red Corvette 3. When Doves Cry 4. Let’s Go Crazy 5. Raspberry Beret 6. I Wanna Be Your Lover 7. Soft and Wet 8. Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad 9. Uptown 10. When You Were Mine 11. Head 12. Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) 13. Controversy 14. Let’s Work 15. Delirious 16. I Would Die 4 U 17. Take Me With U 18. Paisley Park 19. Pop Life 20. Purple Rain 21. Kiss

22. Sign ‘O’ The Times 23. Alphabet Street 24. Batdance 25. Thieves In The Temple 26. Cream 27. Mountains 28. Girls & Boys 29. If I Was Your Girlfriend 30. U Got The Look 31. I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man 32. Glam Slam 33. Moonbeam Levels 34. Diamonds and Pearls

35. Gett Off 36. Sexy MF 37. My Name Is Prince 38. 7 39. Peach 40. Nothing Compares 2 U You can visit Warner Music Ireland at: www.warnermusic.ie

EILE Magazine 59

Little Gem Records:

Live At Anseo – One

by Tenro Album Launch Little Gem Records are proud to present the album launch of One by Tenro, live at Anseo, Camden Street, Dublin,with support from Cobra Truth & Fuzzy Hell.

Friday November 25 2016.

The debut release from the duo of Marc Aubele (Nanu Nanu, Pigg, Bell X1) and Brian Conniffe (Nurse With Wound, Patrick Kelleher’s Cold Dead Hands, Catscars), Tenro present 90 minutes of intense and electrifying music.

Combining the attitude of original industrial music with elements from the more complex forms of techno and dub, this unconventional work is underpinned by colourful, blackly humorous, surreal and dense layers of concept.

From the narcotic and erotic opening track ‘Content’, through to the rapturous and dizzying climax of ‘Discontinued Product’, Tenro present a journey through an alien landscape of opulent pulsating modular electronics, meticulously crafted layered textures, and thrillingly addictive rhythms.

The album is released on cassette / download.

For more information, go to: www.littlegem.ie Little Gem Records 18 Kildare Street Dublin 2 littlegemrecords@gmail.com

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Little Gem Records Basement 18 Kildare Street Dublin 2 http://www.littlegem.ie/ EILE Magazine 61

Mullingar’s Patrick Graham wins Savills Art Prize at Vue DH The biggest award in Irish contemporary art – The Savills Arts Prize – has been won by one of the country’s most noted living artists, Patrick Graham, from Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

The €5,000 Savills Art Prize is awarded to the artist who has produced an outstanding body of work in the last year or made some other substantial contribution to the visual arts in Ireland.

The winner was announced from a shortlist of five contenders at Vue 2016, Ireland’s national contemporary art fair, at the Royal Hibernian Academy.

The other four contenders were Ennis artist Mick O’Dea, Lisburn’s David Crone and Dublin-based duo Gavin O’Curry and visual artist Jaki Irvine.

“It’s a tremendous honour to receive this award, and I’d like 62 EILE Magazine

to commend Savills and the organisers for their efforts in promoting Irish contemporary art,” said Mullingar man Patrick Graham.

“I’d also like to thank the Luan Gallery in Athlone and Hillsboro Fine Art for my recent successful exhibitions.”

19 of Ireland’s leading contemporary art galleries each nominated an artist for the prize and RHA director Dr Patrick Murphy, who has an extensive track record as a curator of contemporary Irish art, adjudicated.

“I am thrilled to award the VUE Contemporary Art Prize to Patrick Graham for his outstanding contribution to the visual arts in Ireland”

been described as one of the few modern contenders to take a place among the great masters, was nominated by the Hillsboro Fine Art gallery where he completed the ‘Lullaby’ series.

This series of paintings includes previously unseen works by Graham, including a new self-portrait of the artist.

Graham has had significant influence on the Irish art scene and is credited by some as changing the face of Irish art in the 1980s with his introduction to neoexpressionism.

“At Savills we celebrate creativity in the community and are proud to support this significant event for Ireland’s leading artistic talent.”

A member of Aosdána, Graham’s exquisite draftsmanship and expressive layering of images and text have seen him widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most important contemporary artist. The subject of numerous international museum exhibitions and symposia, he has impacted artists, critics and historians on both sides of the Atlantic.

Patrick Graham, who has

Internationally acclaimed art

said Savills Ireland Chairman, Roland O’Connell.

Pictured Patrick Graham at the announcement of the Savills Art Prize at the 2016 Vue Contemporary Art Fair at the Royal Hibernian

historian and professor of art history Peter Selz has stated: “With the exception perhaps of Anselm Kiefer, Patrick Graham is the only twentieth century artist who can take his place among the great masters spanning the Renaissance to the present day.”

Hillsboro Fine Art gallery director John Daly said: “Graham has long been considered ‘Ireland’s finest draughtsman’ and a genuine ‘artist’s artist’, but these much-abused terms, though

undoubtedly apt in relation to Graham, do not capture the truly powerful nature of his work.

Olivier Cornet, Gormleys, Jonathan Ellis King, Gibbons and Nicholas, Oonagh Young Gallery, and Art Box.

“His paintings and drawings are a magnificent and unique balancing act of strength and fragility.”

“This is only the second year the Savills Art Prize has been presented at Vue and we hope the award will become as important to Irish art as the Turner Prize is in the UK,” said Vue 2016 organiser, Louis O’Sullivan.

Galleries exhibiting work at Vue 2016 included Kerlin Gallery, Cross Gallery, Molesworth Gallery, Stoney Road Press, Hillsboro Fine Art, Green on Red, Eight, Peppercanister, Graphic Studio, Fenderesky, Kevin Kavanagh, Gallery of Photography, Solomon,

“Savills is the perfect partner to present the Prize as most art is found in homes and businesses, and not just museums.”

EILE Magazine 63

RDS: 100 pieces of artwork for €100 at Art Source fair Irish art lovers have the unique chance to get their hands on 100 pieces of original artwork for €100 at Ireland’s premier art fair Art Source, which will be held at the RDS from November 11-13.

them for three exciting days in November.

Over 15,000 people are expected to view exhibits from artists across all genres in the year’s biggest art show.

said show O’Sullivan.

From cutting edge contemporary art, realism and portraiture, to abstract art and landscapes, Art Source 2016 will showcase it all in one place, and give visitors a fantastic opportunity to meet the artists, and to buy directly from

Cartoon Saloon will be holding a portfolio and career advice workshop for second and third level students on Friday Nov 11 from 12-4pm where the future stars of Irish animation can learn more about this exciting career path from

“Art Source offers visitors the opportunity to purchase a oneoff affordable artwork to make their home unique and also the opportunity to meet the artists and hear about their work” organiser

Patrick

There is a huge emphasis on visitor involvement at Art Source, and this And there is an opportunity for year the show features an amazing visitors to own a piece of original interactive animation exhibition, artwork, in Art Source’s unique hosted by twice Academy-Award 100 for €100 project, with pieces and BAFTA-nominated Cartoon available on a first-come first- Saloon. served basis.

The Irish company behind such Art Source features over 120 hits as The Secret of Kells and Song contemporary artists and 30 of the Sea will be hosting special Irish and international galleries, animation workshops aimed at gathering together to showcase creating and fostering the next painting, sculpture, photography, generation of budding cartoon illustration, prints and ceramic art. artists.

64 EILE Magazine

Cartoon Saloon animator Rory Conway.

has climbed the ladder to artistic success.

On Saturday and Sunday, Cartoon Saloon will be hosting the Shapeshifters workshops for 8-12 year olds. These free classes can be booked at the show.

Art Source takes place at the RDS, Dublin, from November 11-13, admission is â‚Ź10 adults, â‚Ź8 OAPs. Children under 16 free only if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Art Source also features a themed free Art Explorers workshop for children up to seven years old.

Opening times:

Among the artists featured at Art Source are Vincent Devine, who has grabbed the attention of Madonna and Tyra Banks, renowned Dublin mural painter, Jane Willoughby, who swapped scaffolding for easels in a new career direction, and retired Dublin fireman, Paul McCabe, who

Friday Nov 11: 11am-9pm, Sat Nov 12: 10am-7pm, Sun Nov 13: 10am-6pm

EILE Magazine 65

2nd Dublin Bowie Festival – January 2017!

The 2nd Dublin Bowie Festival (2017) takes place citywide in Dublin, from Thursday 5th January, and ends on the first anniversary of David Bowie’s death, Tuesday January 10th.

Club, The Sugar Club, The Mercantile Hotel, The Opium Rooms, The Liquor Rooms and many other creative spaces, all coming together to pay respect to one of the most important figures in our cultural history, an artist who illuminated popular culture in a way that’s unlikely to be repeated.

After last year’s success, the Festival program is greatly expanded, to include more events and more venues, and encapsulates the profound influence and inspiration that Bowie had on both popular culture and art.

Dublin Bowie Festival aims to mirror Bowie’s fascination with the arts, by providing Dublin with one of the most exciting events to hit the city in years.

Topped by a heavyweight line up of live music, the program also includes movie and documentary screenings, literary events, fashion, fine art, merch markets, Q&As, debates & discussions, a quiz, a Festival club, illustration, karaoke, DJs, and lots lots more…

Friday 6th January 2017 sees Veda’s Lashes to Lashes in The George at 6 pm.

Bowie fanatic, and one of Ireland’s most fabulous drag queens, Veda Beaux Reves hosts a Bowie spectacular of glitter and glam in The George, on 6th January 2017, in what is sure to be one of the most talked-about shows of the Festival.

The venues include Vicar St, The George, Whelans, The Grand Social, The Workman’s

66 EILE Magazine

Some of the events lined up for the festival: THURSDAY – 5TH JAN – 6PM Pin Ups Exhibition Launch Fumbally Exchange EVERY NIGHT – 10PM – LATE Bowie Memory of a Free Festival Club The Merchantile FRIDAY – 6TH JAN – 6PM Lazarus / The Man who fell to Earth The Sugar Club FRIDAY – 6TH JAN – 6PM 60’s Bowie / Bowie Acapella

The Grand Social

SUNDAY – 8TH JAN – 11PM

FRIDAY – 6TH JAN – 6PM

BowieOke

Veda’s Lashes to Lashes

The Workmans

The George

MONDAY – 9TH JAN – 6PM

SATURDAY – 7TH JAN – 6PM

David Bowie: Critical Perspectives

I Heart Bowie

The Winding Stair Bookshop

Opium Rooms

TUESDAY – 10TH JAN – 6PM

SATURDAY – 7TH JAN – 6PM

Bowie Vigil

Ashes To Ashes Cabaret

The Grand Social

The Grand Social

Tickets are on sale from Wednesday 26th October.

SUNDAY – 8TH JAN – 7.30PM Rebel Rebel Vicar St

For more information, go to: http://www.dublinbowiefestival.ie/

SUNDAY – 8TH JAN – 6PM Low The Liquor Rooms

EILE Magazine 67

Winter Pride From 7 - 13 of November 2016 in Gran Canaria, Europe´s favourite gay paradise ProGay presents, in Europe´s largest and most popular gay paradise Gran Canaria, the third edition of Winter Pride 68 EILE Magazine

Maspalomas, from 7 – 13 of November 2016.

One week with 15 high quality and entertaining events where the central messages are respect and acceptance, the keys of life.

With 35,000 visitors from all over Europe, it promises to be an exciting week, while enjoying the average temperature of 23 degrees in the daytime.

The live shows on the Yumbo Main Stage are free but reserve your tickets for one of the special

e Maspalomas! events in time to guarantee a place!

Visit the website of Winter Pride Maspalomas, and check out the programme with some great new events like the Wine & Tapas Night Market, Musicals in Concert, Grand Opening of Ocean Beach Club and much more!

http://www. winterpridemaspalomas. com/

Winter Pride Maspalomas is organised by ProGay and it is their objective to promote Gran Canaria as Europe´s most popular LGTB destination .

You can expect high quality events with many live artists, special events, Pride Walk, dinner show and a workshop for people interested in living in Gran Canaria.

EILE Magazine 69

Arosa Gay Ski Week 2017!

The Arosa (Switzerland) Gay Ski Week team wish you a wonderful and sunny summer!

You can find them at the Circuit Festival in Barcelona, on the beaches of Sitges, or at the Elysium Hotel in Mykonos.

PACKAGES for 7 nights PACKAGES for 5 nights PACKAGES for 3 nights Visit: https://web4.deskline.net/ arosaskiweek/en/package/list

They are now actively preparing their 13th Annual Ski Week, which will take place from Saturday 21st to Saturday 28th of January, 2017.

If you book from their website or call them at +41 81 378 70 20, you will get the best rate from their partners. If you find a better price, they’ll match it. That’s their Best Price Guarantee, and it’s just one of the ways to help you find the perfect hotel for their ski week.

NEW HOTEL PARTNER – Provisorium 13

They will start Saturday, and end the week with farewells at the ‘Avalanche‘ party, Friday night at the Kursaal.

HOTEL PROVISORIUM13 central, across the ice-rink: the host hotel during the ski week with affordable rooms:

Below are their exclusive, all-inclusive packages: Hotel + event pass + ski pass at great rates and take advantage of -10% by booking before August 30!

7 nights + breakfast + event pass gold + 6 days ski pass Triple room: CHF 700.- per person (650€ / 720$) Double room: CHF 840.- per person (780€ / 860$)

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Single room: CHF 940.- per person (870€ / 960$) You can book for this event by visiting: https://web4.deskline.net/arosaskiweek/ en/package/list Some of the items you can book in advance: Fondue evening & night sledging - 26th January 2017 60.00 Event Pass GOLD - from 21-27 January 2017 150.00 Event Pass SILVER - valid 23 - 27 January 2017 90.00 Event Pass BRONZE - valid 21 - 23 January 2017 70.00 7-day ski pass 332.00 6-day ski pass 299.00 5-day ski pass 263.00 4 PACKAGES AVAILABLE Package ACCOMMODATION + EVENTS Accommodation (hotel or holiday apartment) Event Pass Gold, Silver or Bronze! from 400.00 per package

DETAILS Show possible arrival dates | Travel period from 21/01/2017 Package ACCOMMODATION + SKI Accommodation (hotel or holiday apartment) Ski pass Arosa Lenzerheide from 550.00 per package DETAILS Show possible arrival dates | Travel period from 21/01/2017 Package ACCOMMODATION + SKI + EVENTS Accommodation (hotel or holiday apartment) Ski pass Arosa Lenzerheide Event Pass Gold, Silver or Bronze! from 700.00 per package DETAILS Show possible arrival dates | Travel period from 21/01/2017 Sunstar Wellness Plus from 750.00 per package DETAILS Travel period from 21/01/2017

EILE Magazine 71

TENI: Telling MY Story – Ireland’s First Trans Leadership Summit 19,20 November TENI and Accenture have teamed up to create Ireland’s first trans leadership summit, Telling MY Story. The summit will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 19th and 20th November 2016, at Accenture in Grand Canal Square, Dublin.

Telling MY Story will be an empowering and inspiring weekend, with lots of practical advice on communication, careers and advocacy, and TENI want you to be part of it!

What can you expect from Telling MY Story?

Learn how to tell your story with confidence by improving your communication skills Discover ways to talk about your trans journey positively, clearly and succinctly Gain an understanding of keywords and anchors, and how they can they can help you to ‘build your brand’ Get advice on applying for roles and how to navigate the recruitment and interview process 72 EILE Magazine

Develop and practice your networking skills Uncover your competencies and create your own personal ‘roadmap’ to success Hear how trans leaders used their stories to effect change If you want some help with your job search; if you’re a recent graduate; if you’re considering a change in your career; if you would like to develop your leadership skills; if your life is in need of a boost – then Telling MY Story is for you!

If you’re trans, intersex or questioning your gender identity, and you would like to participate in Telling MY Story, then please complete the online application form.

The closing date for applications is 10th November 2016.

Telling MY Story is open to those over 18 only.

Telling MY Story is supported by the Community Foundation for Ireland.

For more information, go to:

http://teni.ie/ (eile.ie 31 October 2016)

Chelsea Manning second suicide attempt in prison – Attorney Image: nbc

(Reuters) – U.S. Army soldier Chelsea Manning, who is serving 35 years in prison for passing classified files to WikiLeaks, attempted suicide last month for the second time, her attorney said on Friday.

authorities have refused to “adequately treat her gender dysphoria” and criticized the sentence of several days in solitary confinement that was imposed on Manning.

Manning attempted suicide on Oct. 4, at the start of her stay in solitary confinement for attempting suicide the first time in July, said lawyer Chase Strangio, from the American Civil Liberties Union.

She has been returned to the general population section of the prison, Strangio said.

An Army spokeswoman declined to immediately comment.

Manning, 28, who is held at the Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, military prison, is a transgender Army private who was born male and revealed after being convicted of espionage that she identifies as a woman.

“She has repeatedly been punished for trying to survive and now is being repeatedly punished for trying to die,” Strangio said.

Manning has been a focus of a worldwide debate on government secrecy since she provided more than 700,000 documents, videos, diplomatic cables and battlefield accounts to the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks.

Among the files Manning leaked in 2010 was a gunsight video of a U.S. Apache helicopter firing on suspected Iraqi insurgents in 2007, an attack that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staffers.

She tried to take her own life in July after what her lawyers said was the Army’s denial of appropriate healthcare.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Mary Milliken)

Strangio in a statement on Friday said

(eile.ie 6 November 2016) EILE Magazine 73

Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) 74 EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine 75

Australia: New Campaign for Marriage Equality Free Vote in Australian Parliament Australians for Equality (A4E) & Australian Marriage Equality (AME) have launched ‘The Equality Campaign’, a new joint campaign for marriage equality to be achieved through a parliamentary vote, so that every Australian is treated equally under the law.

“The Equality Campaign is about building on the momentum and energy generated across the nation for marriage equality and continuing to campaign for a straightforward change to be achieved by a vote in the parliament”

the issue back in the centre of the discussion. It is based on the importance of human stories and the message to LGBTI people, their families and friends that collectively we can be the agent of change.

“Our campaign aims to make a clear break from the negative atmosphere which surrounded the plebiscite and remind people of the importance but also the beauty of the cause. We are promoting some of the greatest human values – love, respect and happiness.

“It is a campaign based on promoting conversations about why equality matters to us rather than angry politicised debates.

Co-Chair of Australians for Equality, Anna Brown said.

“We aim to set a positive confident tone as we empower LGBTI people to talk to their friends, family, work colleagues and neighbours about marriage equality.

“This campaign is about putting the human face of

The single most important thing that turns a person

76 EILE Magazine

into a supporter of LGBTI equality is when they know an LGBTI person and they have a conversation about equality.

“This will be a campaign reaching out to every LGBTI person and remind them that they are the single most influential person in the space they live in.

“The campaign will show the strength and diversity of support for marriage equality. At equalitycampaign.org.au supporters will find the tools to lobby their MPs, hold local events, and share with their communities the many reasons why marriage equality matters.

“Along with our supporters, we will continue to show how marriage equality is simply based on our shared Australian values of a fair go and respect for all and its important that these values continue to underpin the ongoing national conversation on marriage equality.

“Two-thirds of Australians as well as a majority of politicians want every Australian to be able to marry the person they love. Marriage equality will not change anything for the vast majority of Australians, but will make a profound difference to the status and dignity of many,” Ms Brown said.

Co-Chair of Australian Marriage Equality, Alex Greenwich said: “This campaign will continue our work across the nation, bringing supporters together, holding community events and forums to change the hearts and minds of communities across Australia.

to call on our supporters across all political parties who support marriage equality to work together to find a pathway for a free vote in the parliament.

“Our campaign will be about reminding our MPs that fairness and equality are at the heart of Australian society.

We believe our laws should reflect these values of which we are most proud. It’s time for all Australians to be treated equally under the law, with the full rights of equal citizenship.

“Marriage is about the commitment shared between two people who love each other and want a secure future together. LGBTI Australians should have the same opportunities for love, commitment and happiness as everyone else,” Mr Greenwich concluded.

For more visit: equalitycampaign.org.au Facebook https://www. facebook.com/amequality/ Twitter https://twitter. com/AMEquality (eile.ie 20 October 2016)

“We will also continue EILE Magazine 77

Intersex Awareness Day Wednesday 26 October – UN Urges End To Harmful Medical Practices End violence and harmful medical practices on intersex children and adults, UN and regional experts urge Speaking ahead of Intersex Awareness Day, 26 October, a group of United Nations and international human rights experts* has called for an urgent end to human rights violations against intersex** children and adults. They urge Governments to prohibit harmful medical practices on intersex children, including unnecessary surgery and treatment without their informed consent, and sterilization.

In countries around the world, intersex infants, children and adolescents are subjected to medically unnecessary surgeries, hormonal treatments and other procedures in an attempt to forcibly change their appearance to be in line

78 EILE Magazine

with societal expectations about female and male bodies.

When, as is frequently the case, these procedures are performed without the full, free and informed consent of the person concerned, they amount to violations of fundamental human rights.

Parents of children with intersex traits often face pressure to agree to such surgeries or treatments on their children. They are rarely informed about alternatives or about the potential negative consequences of the procedures, which are routinely performed despite a lack of medical indication, necessity or urgency.

The rationale for these is frequently based on social prejudice, stigma associated with intersex bodies and administrative requirements to assign sex at the moment of birth registration.

Profound negative impacts of these often irreversible procedures have been

reported, including permanent infertility, incontinence, loss of sexual sensation, causing life-long pain and severe psychological suffering, including depression and shame linked to attempts to hide and erase intersex traits.

In many cases intersex people do not even have access to their own medical records or original birth certificates.

While awareness of the existence and rights of intersex people is slowly growing thanks to the work of intersex human rights defenders, only a handful of countries have taken concrete measures to uphold their rights and protect them from abuses.

States must, as a matter of urgency, prohibit medically unnecessary surgery and procedures on intersex children. They must uphold the autonomy of intersex adults and children and their rights to health, to physical and mental integrity, to live

free from violence and harmful practices and to be free from torture and ill-treatment. Intersex children and their parents should be provided with support and counselling, including from peers.

Intersex children and adults should be the only ones who decide whether they wish to modify the appearance of their own bodies – in the case of children, when they are old or mature enough to make an informed decision for themselves. They should have access to support as well as to medical services that respond to their specific health needs and that are based on non-discrimination, informed consent and respect for their fundamental rights. In this connection, it is critical to strengthen the integration of these human rights principles in standards and protocols issued by regulatory and professional bodies.

States should investigate human rights violations against intersex people, hold those found guilty of perpetrating such violations accountable and provide intersex people subjected to abuse with redress and compensation.

*The signatories include: UN Committee against Torture (CAT): http:// www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/cat/pages/ catindex UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC): http://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/ crc/pages/crcindex.aspx UN Committee on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD): http://www.ohchr.org/ en/hrbodies/crpd/pages/crpdindex.aspx UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (SPT): http:// www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/opcat/pages/ opcatindex.aspx UN independent experts: Mr. Juan Méndez, Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, Mr. Dainius Pῡras, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Ms. Dubravka Šimonovic, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences: http://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/sp/pages/ welcomepage.aspx (eile.ie 26 October 2016)

Ending these abuses will also require States to raise awareness of the rights of intersex people, to protect them from discrimination on ground of sex characteristics, including in access to health care, education, employment, sports and in obtaining official documents, as well as special protection when they are deprived of liberty. They should also combat the root causes of these violations such as harmful stereotypes, stigma and pathologization and provide training to health professionals and public officials, including legislators, the judiciary and policymakers.

EILE Magazine 79

Equality Commission NI Welcomes Court Ruling On Ashers Bakery Gay Cake Case The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has welcomed the judgment given today in Northern Ireland Court of Appeal in Belfast in the case of Lee v Ashers Bakery.

The case involved Ashers Bakery refusing to bake a cake for gay man, Gareth Lee, citing their religious beliefs as grounds for refusal. The court ruled that the bakery had discriminated against Lee on the basis of sexual orientation, contrary to the Equality Act. This case raised issues of public importance regarding the extent to which suppliers of goods and services can refuse service on grounds of sexual orientation, religious belief and political opinion.

The Court’s decision confirms the legal responsibilities on all service providers not to discriminate against their customers on these grounds.

You can read the Summary of

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Judgment below with a link to the full judgment: Summary of Judgment The Court of Appeal today found that Ashers Baking Company had directly discriminated against Gareth Lee on grounds of sexual orientation by refusing to make a cake supporting same sex marriage. It further found that the relevant legislation is not incompatible with Articles 9, 10 or 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The following is a summary of the Court of Appeal judgment: This is an appeal by way of case stated from a decision of District Judge Brownlie whereby she found that Colin McArthur (“the first appellant”), Karen McArthur (“the second appellant”) and Ashers Baking Company Limited (“the third appellant”) directly discriminated against Gareth Lee (“the respondent”) on the grounds of sexual orientation contrary to the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation)

Regulations (NI) 2006 (“the 2006 Regulations”) and on the grounds of religious and political belief contrary to the Fair Employment and Treatment (NI) Order 1998 (“the 1998 Order”).

The respondent is a gay man and is associated with an organisation called QueerSpace which is a volunteer led organisation for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBT”) community in Northern Ireland. Ashers Bakery is a limited company. The first and second appellants are directors of the company who are Christians who oppose the introduction of same-sex marriage as they believe that it is contrary to God’s law.

At the beginning of week commencing 4 May 2014 the respondent made a general enquiry at the premises of the third appellant shop about ordering a cake. He said he was from a small voluntary group and wanted a cake with a logo on it. He was told by the second appellant that if he brought the logo in it could be scanned and put on the cake.

There was no other discussion about the content of the logo or the nature of his group. The respondent wanted the cake for a private event on 17 May 2014 to mark the end of “Northern Ireland Anti-homophobic Week” to mark the political momentum towards same-sex marriage legislation.

On 8 or 9 May 2014, the respondent placed an order with the second appellant for a customized cake and gave her an A4 sheet with a colour picture of “Bert and Ernie” (the logo for QueerSpace) with the headline caption, “Support Gay Marriage”.

On 12 May 2014, the second appellant, after discussion with the first appellant and her family, telephoned the respondent indicating that the order could not be fulfilled as the bakery was a “Christian business” and that she should not have accepted the order. The appellants accept that the order was cancelled because of their religious beliefs as they are opposed to a change in the law regarding gay marriage which they regard as sinful. The respondent was given a refund and he was able to secure a similar cake from another outlet in time for the event.

The respondent issued a Civil Bill on 6 November 2014 claiming damages for breach of statutory duty in and about the provision of goods, facilities and services.

When the matter came on for hearing, District Judge Brownlie accepted that the first and second appellants had a Christian belief which was genuinely and sincerely held but that the third appellant conducted a business for profit and was not a religious

organization. She held that it could not therefore avail of the specific exemption for such organisations in Regulation 16 of the 2006 Regulations.

The judge reached the following conclusions: The appellants had the knowledge or perception that the respondent was gay and/ or associated with others who were gay; What the respondent wanted the appellants to do would not require them to promote or support gay marriage which was contrary to their deeply held religious beliefs; The appellants cancelled

the order as they opposed same sex marriage which is inextricably linked to sexual relations between same sex couples which is a union of persons having a particular sexual orientation; and The respondent did not share the particular religious and political opinion which confined marriage to heterosexual orientation.

District Judge Brownlie concluded that the appellants’ actions amounted to direct discrimination contrary to Regulation 5(1) of the 2006 Regulations.

In relation to the claim for discrimination on the ground of political opinion, District Judge Brownlie noted the EILE Magazine 81

1998 Order did not provide a definition of political opinion and adopted the analysis contained in the authorities that political opinion means opinion relating to the policy of government and matters touching upon government. In light of the ongoing political debate as to whether the Assembly should legislate on same-sex marriage, she found that the respondent’s support for same-sex marriage was a political opinion. The judge concluded that the appellants disagreed with the religious belief and political opinion held by the respondent with regard to the change in law to permit gay marriage and, accordingly, they treated him lessfavourably by refusing to provide him with the service sought. In those circumstances the appellants had directly discriminated against him.

The judge said that even if she had been persuaded that the appellants had not been aware of the respondent’s religious belief and/or political opinion, she would have found that the appellants discriminated against him by treating him less favourably on the grounds of their own religious beliefs and political opinion.

District Judge Brownlie then considered the application of the Human Rights Act 1998.

She considered that she was required to read down the 2006 Regulations and the 1998 Order so as to include reasonable accommodation for the manifestation of the appellants’ beliefs. The judge determined that the relevant anti-discrimination provisions were necessary 82 EILE Magazine

in a democratic society and were a proportionate means of achieving the legitimate aim of protecting the rights and freedoms of the respondent.

To do otherwise would be to allow religious belief to dictate what the law is. The first and second appellants were entitled to continue to hold their genuine and deeply held religious beliefs and to manifest them, but this must be done in accordance with the law and that included not manifesting them in the commercial sphere if the manner of doing so was contrary to the rights of others. Finally, having made the finding of fact that the appellants were not required to support, promote or endorse the respondent’s viewpoint, the judge went on to find that, in any event, the antidiscrimination provisions in the relevant legislation were a proportionate interference permitted under Article 10(2) of the ECHR. The Questions The questions included in the case stated are set out in the full judgment. We indicated that we do not intend to answer two of the questions: The first was whether the judge was correct as a matter of law to hold that, had she not considered the case to give rise to direct discrimination alternatively she would have held that the same amounted to indirect discrimination which was not justified by the appellants? It is common case that there was no material

which could have enabled the judge to come to a conclusion on indirect discrimination.

This was always presented as a direct discrimination case.

The second was whether the judge was correct as a matter of law in finding that the appellants “did have the knowledge or perception that the respondent was gay and/or associated with others who are gay” in light of the reasoning contained in her judgment? Although it is clear that the judge spent some time explaining her conclusion that the appellants had knowledge or perception either consciously or unconsciously that the respondent was gay or associated with others who were gay, she did not rely on that finding in her conclusion.

She found that the appellants cancelled the order as they opposed same sex marriage.

If she had come to the view that the order was cancelled because the respondent was perceived as being gay, this would have been the most straightforward case of direct discrimination and would undoubtedly have been plainly expressed by her. We conclude therefore that the finding was not material to her determination.

Consideration The bare facts of this case might not suggest that it is a matter of any great moment.

The respondent ordered a cake with the message “Support Gay Marriage” from the appellants.

Some days later they cancelled the order and refunded the cost. The respondent thereafter obtained a suitable replacement cake from another

supplier. Those bare facts engage, however, the crucial issue of the manner in which any conflicts between the LGBT community and the faith community in the commercial space should be resolved within this jurisdiction.

Northern Ireland has a large and strong faith community many of whom are people who have played an active part in commerce and taken on leadership roles within the commercial world. It is plainly of importance to this jurisdiction that such people should continue to contribute to the well-being of the Northern Ireland economy and that there should be no chill factor to their participation.

The LGBT community has endured a history of considerable discrimination in this jurisdiction. Homosexual acts in private between consenting males were criminalised until 1985.

Those who were gay were reluctant to expose their sexuality and some were subjected to blackmail and other intimidation. The potential for conflict between the rights of the LGBT community and the religious community has unfortunately long been a feature of public debate in Northern Ireland and the strongest opposition to the decriminalisation of homosexual acts between consenting males came from the religious community. It is obviously of importance that the LGBT community should feel able to participate in the commercial life of this community freely and

transparently. All of this sets the context for this appeal.

Normalisation The appellants submitted that the request for a cake with the particular message on it did not fall within Regulation 5(1)(b) of the 2006 Regulations on the basis that the request was not a refusal to provide goods or services in the same manner as was normal for other members of the public, the point being that the request in this case was so unusual that it did not fall within the services advertised by the appellant company.

This submission depended on the interpretation of the offer made by the appellant company and while there were limitations within the terms and conditions they were not such as to exclude a cake of this type.

Further, the two conversations between the respondent and the second appellant when the enquiry was made and the cake was ordered did not lead to the conclusion that there was any such limitation. We do not accept, therefore, that the evidence supported the submission that the order placed on this occasion lay outside the normal range of products offered.

Direct Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation The relevant legislation essentially contains a single question: Did the claimant, on the prescribed ground, receive less favourable treatment than

others.

The case of Bull v Hall [2013] UKSC 73 was a case in which the Supreme Court had to deal with the distinction between direct and indirect discrimination.

The respondents were civil partners who booked a double bedroom for two nights in a private hotel. The hoteliers were devout Christians and declined to honour the booking as they only provided double bedrooms to heterosexual married couples. The majority concluded that the concept of marriage being applied by the appellants was the Christian concept of the union of one man and one woman, a criterion indistinguishable from sexual orientation.

The discrimination was therefore direct in that the difference in treatment was based on a criterion which is either explicitly that of sex or necessarily linked to a characteristic indissociable from sex.

Counsel for the appellants in this case submitted that in order to establish direct discrimination it was necessary to establish some protected personal characteristic and that such a characteristic could not be established by a difference in treatment in respect of a message on a cake.

We do not accept this. The benefit from the message or slogan on the cake could only accrue to gay or bisexual people. The appellants would not have objected to a cake carrying the message “Support Heterosexual Marriage� or EILE Magazine 83

indeed “Support Marriage”.

We accept that it was the use of the word “Gay” in the context of the message which prevented the order from being fulfilled. The reason that the order was cancelled was that the appellants would not provide a cake with a message supporting a right to marry for those of a particular sexual orientation.

This was a case of association with the gay and bisexual community and the protected personal characteristic was the sexual orientation of that community. Accordingly this was direct discrimination.

The Human Rights Arguments The 2006 Regulations make it unlawful for a person to discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation in the provision of goods, facilities or services to the public.

Regulation 16 makes specific provision for organisations relating to religion or belief so as to ensure that such organisations should not find that certain specified activities were rendered unlawful. It was submitted, however, that in light of the impact upon the Convention rights of the appellants it was necessary either to read down the provisions of the 2006 Regulations so as to respect those rights or alternatively to disapply the provisions of the 2006 Regulations on the basis that they were incompatible with the appellants’ Convention rights.

The first Convention right in play is the right to freedom 84 EILE Magazine

of thought, conscience and religion and the qualified right to manifestation of those beliefs protected by Article 9 ECHR. The striking of the balance between the prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in the provision of goods, facilities and service and the protection of religion, belief and conscience was considered in Bull v Hall. As in that case it is clear that the limitation on the Article 9 rights of the appellants is in accordance with law and pursues a legitimate aim being the rights of the respondent under the 2006 Regulations. The issue is whether there is a reasonable relationship of proportionality between the means employed and the aim sought to be achieved.

The Supreme Court agreed on four matters: Firstly, the less favourable treatment was between those who had entered into a civil partnership and those who had married. The appellants in this case correctly pointed out that there was no legal provision for same-sex marriage in this jurisdiction and that what was at stake here was the ability within the commercial sphere to obtain a service which the customer could use to express support for a change of the law.

Secondly, there was a difference of treatment between same-sex couples and married couples. Allowing people to discriminate on that basis because of religious

belief would be a licence to discriminate because they agreed with the law. The same argument can be made in respect of the provision of a service in this case. To prohibit the provision of a message on a cake supportive of gay marriage on the basis of religious belief is to permit direct discrimination. If businesses were free to choose what services to provide to the gay community on the basis of religious belief the potential for arbitrary abuse would be substantial.

Thirdly, the 2006 Regulations describe how the conflicts arising in cases of religious objection are to be resolved.

The existence of strongly held religious beliefs was wellknown to those proposing the Regulations. The form of the Regulations strongly suggested that the purpose was to go no further than the specific provisions in Regulation 16 in catering for those religious objections.

Fourthly, the hoteliers were free to manifest their religion in many other ways but in particular they could change their offer in order to respect those beliefs. The Supreme Court found that they were free to continue to deny double bedrooms to samesex and unmarried couples provided they also denied them to married couples. In the same way it was open to the appellants in this case to amend their offers so as to ensure that they continued to provide birthday cakes and other specified cakes of this nature which did not give rise to potential conflicts.

In this case the appellants

contended that there was an additional factor in that this was a case of forced speech and engaged the appellants’ rights under Article 10 ECHR. It was not suggested that there was any approbation of the message on the face of the cake and the trial judge concluded that what the respondent wanted did not require them to promote or support gay marriage.

There is no challenge to that conclusion directly in the questions before us and in any event we consider that the conclusion was undoubtedly correct. The fact that a baker provides a cake for a particular team or portrays witches on a Halloween cake does not indicate any support for either.

We conclude that there is nothing in this case arising under Article 10 ECHR which does not already arise under Article 9. The essence of the complaintunder the latter Article is the requirement to provide a message with which the appellant disagreed because of their deeply held religious beliefs. In the commercial sphere that is what the absence of direct discrimination can require, depending on the offer.

The proportionality assessment in this case points firmly to the conclusion that the 2006 Regulations should be interpreted in accordance with their natural meaning. The structure of the Regulations, the need to protect against arbitrary discrimination, the ability to alter the offer and the

lack of any association of the appellants with the message all point that way.

The arguments advanced by the parties at the hearing focussed almost exclusively on the position under the 2006 Regulations. The same principles apply in relation to the issues under political and religious discrimination but in light of the way that the argument developed at the hearing and the focus on the issue of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation we do not intend to deal separately with the questions arising on those grounds.

Constitutional Point In light of our conclusion it is necessary to address the constitutional point raised by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland.

Further to the intervention of the Attorney General, the Court issued a Devolution Notice and a Notice of Incompatibility of Subordinate Legislation. The Devolution Notice stated the “devolution issue” to be: Whether, in light of the prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of political opinion or religious belief contained in section 24(1)(c) and (d) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, there was a power to make, confirm or approve Regulation 5 of the 2006 Regulations; and Whether, in light of the prohibition in section 17 of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 on discrimination against any person or class

of persons on the grounds of religious belief or political opinion, Article 28 of the 1998 Order is void.

The Notice of Incompatibility of Subordinate Legislation noted the contention that the respondent’s claim violated the first and second appellants’ rights under Articles 9, 10 and/or 14 ECHR as being contrary to their religious beliefs and/or political opinions. The Court was invited to read down the provisions of the 2006 Regulations and the 1998 Order in a manner which was compatible with those Convention rights or, if that was not possible, to disapply the relevant provisions of the 2006 Regulations and the 1998 Order.

Discrimination under the 1973 Act The 1973 Act established the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Section 17(1) provides that any measure, Act and relevant subordinate instrument of the Parliament of Northern Ireland shall, to the extent that it discriminates against any person or class of persons on the grounds of religious belief or political opinion, be void. Section 23(1) provides that legislation discriminates against any person or class of persons if it treats that person or class of persons less favourably in any circumstances than other persons are treated in those circumstances by the law for the time being in force in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland EILE Magazine 85

Assembly established by the 1973 Act was dissolved and the Northern Ireland Act 1974 made temporary provision for the government of Northern Ireland by direct rule. The 1998 Order was made by Order in Council under Schedule 1 of the 1974 Act. The anti-discrimination measures in sections 17(1) and 23(1) of the 1973 Act continued to apply to Orders in Council made under the 1974 Act. This legislative structure remained in place until replaced by the Northern Ireland Act 1998 however there was a saving provision for the operation of the antidiscrimination measures in the 1973 Act for extant Northern Ireland legislation.

Hence the 1998 Order remains subject to the antidiscriminationprovisions of the 1973 Act. Discrimination under the 1998 Act The Northern Ireland Act 1998 established a new Northern Ireland Assembly.

It states that a provision is outside the legislative competence of the Assembly if it is incompatible with any of the ECHR rights and discriminates against any person or class of persons on the grounds of religious belief or political opinion.

Section 24(1) states that a Minister or Northern Ireland department has no power to make, confirm or approve any subordinate legislation, or to do any act, so far as the act is incompatible with any of the ECHR rights, discriminates 86 EILE Magazine

against a person or class of person on the grounds of religious belief or political opinion, and in the case of an act, aids or incites another person to discriminate against a person or class of person on that ground. Section 98(4) provides that legislation will discriminate against any person or class of persons if it treats that person or that class less favourably in any circumstances than other persons are treated in those circumstances by the law for the time being in force in Northern Ireland. For those purposes a person discriminates against another if he treats that person or that class less favourably in any circumstances than he treats or would treat other persons in those circumstances.

be between a man and a woman. As part of her faith she believes it would be sinful for her to say or do anything which has the intention or effect of promoting homosexual sexual relations or same sex marriage.

Difficulties emerged in the new political settlement and once again direct rule provided for the legislative powers of the Assembly to be exercisable by Order in Council. The 2006 Regulations were made during the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly and remain subject to the antidiscrimination provisions of the 1998 Act.

The Attorney General states two propositions at the heart of his submissions:

Religious Belief or Political Opinion The witness statement of the second appellant sets out her religious beliefs as being that full sexual relations between persons should only take place within a monogamous heterosexual marriage and that marriage should only

Unlike Great Britain, there is no provision for same sex marriage in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Assembly has on several occasions rejected provisions for same sex marriage. At the time the respondent visited the third appellant’s premises this debate was ongoing and he held a political opinion in support of the introduction of same sex marriage which was in opposition to the political opinion held by the first and second appellants

The first is that a requirement, underpinned by civil liability, to publish or enunciate a theologically loaded political statement constitutes less favourable treatment of those persons whose religious beliefs or political opinions are opposed to that statement in comparison with those persons who share, or are indifferent to, the religious and political ideas contained in the statement; Secondly, insofar as the 2006 Regulations and the 1998 Order are properly interpreted as requiring, on pain of incurring civil liability, a person to enunciate or

produce a theologically loaded political statement to which he objects, the 2006 Regulations and the 1998 Order are invalid to the extent that they so require by virtue of section 24 of the 1998 Act (as respects the 2006 Regulations) and section 17 of the 1973 Act (as respects the 1998 Order).

Direct Discrimination The preferable approach to an examination of the issue is to ask the question: did the claimant, on the prescribed ground, receive less favourable treatment than others? The alternative has been to consider first whether the claimant received less favourable treatment than the appropriate comparator and secondly whether that was on the relevant prescribed ground.

In the present case it is alleged that the legislation discriminates against the appellants and against that class of person who subscribe to their religious belief concerning the sinful nature of homosexual activity and their political opinion that opposes same sex marriage. The statutory comparison is with the treatment accorded by the legislation to other persons in the same circumstances, namely those who do not hold the religious belief that same sex relations are sinful and the political opinion that same sex marriage should not be introduced. The appellants consider that their religious belief and political opinion concerning same sex relations and same sex marriage are

being penalised because those with a contrary religious belief and contrary political opinion are not being penalized.

Accordingly the appellants contend that they are receiving less favourable treatment.

How does the legislation treat a person who holds the contrary religious belief and political opinion to that of the appellants in the same circumstances? Those who refuse goods and services to those who accept same sex relations and support same sex marriage are treated by the legislation in the same manner as the appellants have been treated. They may not be treated the same by those holding opposing religious beliefs or political opinions but the legislation treats them all the same.

Neither the 1998 Order nor the 2006 Regulations treat the appellants less favourably.

The legislation prohibits the provision of discriminatory services on the ground of sexual orientation. The appellants are caught by the legislation because they are providing such discriminatory services. Anyone who applies a religious aspect or a political aspect to the provision of services may be caught by equality legislation, not because that person seeks to distinguish on a basis that is prohibited between those who will receive their service and those who will not.

The answer is not to have the legislation changed and thereby remove the equality

protection concerned.

The answer is for the supplier of services to cease distinguishing, on prohibited grounds, between those who may or may not receive the service. Thus the supplier may provide the particular service to all or to none but not to a selection of customers based on prohibited grounds. In the present case the appellants might elect not to provide a service that involves any religious or political message.

What they may not do is provide a service that only reflects their own political or religious message in relation to sexual orientation.

It would be ironic if the constitutional protections against legislative or executive discrimination based on religious belief or political opinion, as introduced by the 1973 or 1998 Acts, were to become the instruments for the support of differential treatment of fellow citizens based on religious belief and political opinion.

The additional aspect of the Attorney General’s challenge concerns provisions that are outside the legislative or executive competence of the Assembly as being incompatible with Convention rights. The issue for the appellants is one of compelled speech in being forced to supply the message on the cake contrary to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression and the related claim of discrimination on the grounds of religious belief and political opinion. We reject EILE Magazine 87

these contentions for the reasons discussed earlier in relation to the submissions of the respondent and the appellants.

In response to the devolution issues the Court finds that the prohibition on discrimination in section 24(1) of the 1998 Act did not affect the power to make, confirm and approve Regulation 5 of the 2006 Regulations and the prohibition on discrimination in section 17 of the 1973 Act does not affect the legality of Article 28 of the 1998 Order. In response to the Notice of Incompatibility of Subordinate Legislation, the Court finds that the provisions of the 2006 Regulations and the 1998 Order are not incompatible with Articles 9, 10 or 14 of the ECHR. Conclusion For the reasons given we consider that it is only necessary to answer the following questions in the case stated: Was I correct as a matter of law to hold that the appellants had discriminated against the respondent directly on grounds of sexual orientation contrary to the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2006 – Yes; Was I correct as a matter of law to hold that it was not necessary to read down or display the provisions of the 2006 Regulations or the 1998 Order to take account of the appellants’ protected right to hold and manifest their genuinely held religious belief that marriage is, according to God’s law, between one man and one woman, pursuant to Article 9 ECHR? – It is not necessary to read down or display the provisions of the 2006 Regulations.

In the course of the hearing concern was expressed about the role of the Equality Commission in the pursuit of this case. It was made clear to us that the Commission recognised its role in ensuring that all elements of Northern Ireland society participate in the commercial space. To that end we have been assured that the Commission is available to give advice and assistance to those such as the appellants 88 EILE Magazine

who may find themselves in difficulties as a result of their deeply held religious beliefs.

The only correspondence to the appellants that we have seen, however, did not include any offer of such assistance and may have created the impression that the Commission was not interested in assisting the faith community where issues of this sort arose.

It should not have been beyond the capacity of the Commission to provide or arrange for the provision of advice to the appellants at an earlier stage and we would hope that such a course would be followed if a situation such as this were to arise in future.

You can read the full judgment at: http://www.equalityni.org/ECNI/media/ ECNI/Cases%20and%20Settlements/2016/ AshersFullJudgement-Appeal.pdf The full judgment will be available later on the Court Service website www.courtsni.gov.uk -MKB (eile.ie 24 October 2016)

UK: Posthumous Pardons for Gay Men Under Turing Law

Alan Turing

Thousands of gay men, who had been charged under now defunct British laws which deemed homosexuality an offence, are to be pardoned posthumously, with those still living having to apply to the Home Office for same.

The amendment (Turing Law) only applies to England and Wales, and not devolved governments like Northern Ireland and Scotland. Turing Law is based on the pardon which was given recently posthumously to Alan Turing, inventor of the Turing Machine.

Turing was chemically castrated rather than serve time in prison for this ‘offence’, and subsequently it was alleged he committed suicide as a result of the treatment.

As a result of this amendment, the pardon can now be extended to other deceased gay men convicted under the old law.

Many older gay men do not agree with the pardon, and want an apology from the government instead, as they say a pardon still looks like they did something wrong by being born gay.

Lord Sharkey (Lib-Dem) who proposed the amendment, has said that of 65,000 men convicted under the old law, 15,000 are still alive today.

-MKB (eile.ie 21 October 2016)

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