Actor Gerard McCarthy hits out at Northern Ireland’s proposed religious exemption

Actor Gerard McCarthy has hit out at plans to introduce a clause that would allow religious groups to ignore Northern Ireland’s equality laws.

Last month (November), Northern Irish politician Paul Givan pledged to introduce a new bill which would give religious people the right to discriminate against the LGBT people on the grounds of religious freedom.

In a succession of Twitter posts this week (December 4), The Fall actor condemned the proposed plans, saying that they make him “embarrassed” to be from Northern Ireland.

For the first time in my life, I’m actually embarrassed to be from Northern Ireland. http://t.co/9doKNC8wIK

— Gerard McCarthy (@Gerard_McCarthy) December 4, 2014

Last week I was reminded by @stonewalluk that 20,000 children contemplate suicide per year as a direct result of homophobic bullying.

— Gerard McCarthy (@Gerard_McCarthy) December 4, 2014

The fact that Northern Ireland’s First Minister supports plans to LEGALISE homophobic discrimination is truly terrifying! — Gerard McCarthy (@Gerard_McCarthy) December 4, 2014

The actor, who will be appearing alongside EastEnders star Charlie Brooks in the new touring production of iconic gay play Beautiful Thing, went on to add that he’s “glad” the production isn’t travelling to Northern Ireland.

After reading about @DUPleader‘s backing of this ridiculous “conscience clause”, I’m glad we’re not taking @beautThing to Belfast.

— Gerard McCarthy (@Gerard_McCarthy) December 4, 2014

Meanwhile, the full cast of the new production of Beautiful Thing was announced recently – find out more here.