While going over a few papers this morning I noticed a disturbing article in the guardian. According to the article, 14% of people asked in a Nothern Ireland survey said they would have a problem with an LGBT person when asked in 2005, but only three years later, 2008, this figure has risen to a staggering 23%. That’s almost one in four people, a statistic that I have to say I find very disconcerting.

The prejudice doesn’t end there, phobia of travellers as well as racism is on the increase. We can say that’s Northern Ireland and not the republic but I think that’s more than a little naive. We’re not exactly a million miles away are we, so one must wonder what our own figures show? Northern Ireland has been in the news more than once in recent times, various MPs making comments which angered our community, the one I see quoted most often is Iris Robinson’s statement that homosexuality is repulsive. Statements like this can’t help LGBTQ people in NI in their quest for tolerance.

Interestingly enough, people who answered that they have a problem living beside someone of a different religion decreased, considering the North’s past this is without doubt a positive step but it’s only one and I have to say the report makes for depressing reading. The chart below is the result of 659 people who were asked “which group do you feel is treated most unfairly in Northern Ireland”

We make up 12% which implies to me that people in the north don’t see the prejustice that is in their society, I’m left to wonder it is similar here in the south? To think 23% have a problem with us but only 12% think we are treated the worst doesn’t make for great reading does it?

Obviously all prejudice should be fought against and I hope that this report spurs the government into action on this issue sooner rather than later.

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