Bi+ Ireland supports Repeal the 8th

Bi+ Ireland represents a diverse group of people, with a whole spectrum of opinions and life experiences. We want to best represent our community, but to be an inclusive space we also want to offer solidarity to the marginalised communities that intersect with us.

Back in September 2016, requests were made from our members regarding whether we would be involved with the March for Choice. While many of our coordinator team are passionately pro-choice, we were aware that there would be an implied stance of our entire organisation if we took part in the event. We did not want to impose this on our members without their input, so we asked them about their thoughts on Bi+ Ireland taking a stance on the 8th amendment, and whether we should publicly back the campaign to Repeal the 8th. We polled the group, and 94% of you voting in favour of us publicly supporting the campaign! Following this, we joined the Coalition to Repeal the Eighth Amendment and are working with 100+ other groups and organisations to secure a referendum. You can check out our member profile on their website too.

The discussions we had show that reproductive justice and the fight for access to abortion in Ireland is a LGBTQIA+ issue. The 8th Amendment directly affects bi+ women, lesbians, trans men and AFAB non-binary people too.

In the Burning Issues 2 report, more than 90% of respondents believe our LGBTQIA+ community should support equality for those who face discrimination. The issue raised the most was support for repealing the 8th Amendment. For some, it’s because they want to support more progressive social issues. For others, it’s to do with their personal bodily autonomy. Ensuring the right to bodily autonomy has always linked the LGBTQIA+ community with the push for reproductive justice and abortion rights. So much of the homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism we experience is down to a disrespect and disregard for bodily autonomy. Anyone fighting for bodily autonomy is our ally, as we are theirs.
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Join us on Saturday, September 30th as we March for Choice. This year will be our second year marching in the Abortion Rights Campaign March for Choice and we couldn't be prouder to be represented at the event.

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Abortion Rights Campaign March for Choice logo 2017