Varadkar hails US as trailblazers on LGBT rights issues

 • Yesterday 17:59

• 117

The Taoiseach has hailed the US as trailblazers on LGBT rights issues as he met vice president Kamala Harris in Washington.

Mr Varadkar thanked Ms Harris for her own advocacy and for being a “strong ally” to the LGBT community as he and partner Matt Barrett attended a breakfast event at her residence on St Patrick’s Day morning.

The Taoiseach and Mr Barrett were also guests at the traditional breakfast held by then-vice president Mike Pence in 2019.

There had been questions at that time whether Mr Barrett would attend due to Mr Pence’s views on homosexuality.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with US vice president Kamala Harris during a breakfast meeting hosted by Ms Harris at her official residence in Washington DC (Niall Carson/PA)© Provided by PA Media

In his speech on Friday, Mr Varadkar said: “Thank you very much Madam Vice President for inviting Matt and me to be here in your beautiful home and for continuing that very special tradition, which was initiated by President Biden when he was resident here.

“As doctors and as proud members of the LGBT community, allow us to say how inspired we’ve been by your personal advocacy for marriage equality, particularly in relation to Proposition 8 (a move to prohibit same-sex marriage in California that Ms Harris campaigned against), also your defence of affordable healthcare.”

Mr Varadkar said America had “led the way when it comes to LGBT equality”.

“I don’t think I would be here today were it not for what America did,” he added.

“I know you’ve been such a strong ally to our community in that regard.”