Groups Protest against Staging of International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin

RTE News
June 11, 2012

http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0610/groups-protest-against-eucharistic-congress.html

Protesters said it was inappropriate to hold the event in Ireland

LGBT groups also protested

LGBT groups said the church opposes equal rights

Protesters called for separation of church and State

[with video]

A number of protest groups have gathered outside the RDS in Dublin this afternoon to demonstrate against the holding of the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin.

About ten people representing Survivors of Child Abuse and survivors of the Magdelene Laundries are demonstrating to highlight their disgust at the refusal of Cardinal Seán Brady to resign as Primate of All Ireland.

SOCA spokesperson John Kelly said it was a small dignified protest. He said thousands of people had wanted to come but as emotions were running so high they felt it would be wrong to do so.

But he said they wanted to send a clear message to the Vatican that no longer would people be able to get immunity from crimes that happen in this country.

He said he thought it was very inappropriate that they were holding the event here and he said that it was time for an examination not celebration in the church.

About 30 people representing Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Community were also protesting outside.

They say the Catholic hierarchy opposes equal rights for LGBT people and they are calling for separation of church and State.