05 November 2014

Guest Article: Michael Farrell – Transgender woman’s 17-year legal battle ends with commitment to Gender Recognition legislation

In this guest piece Michael Farrell, senior solicitor at FLAC, reflects on the long-running legal journey of Lydia Foy, to have her birth certificate amended to reflect her true gender. Her 21-year battle has resulted in a Government commitment to enact Gender Recognition legislation, which will result in greater equality for transgendered people in Ireland. This article will look at the Lydia Foy case and the basis upon which it was settled, its significance for the transgender community and the role of the European Convention on Human Rights in Irish law, and will assess it as an example of strategic public interest litigation.

Click here to read the article.