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NORRIS JUDGEMENT SOON
A decision in the Norris Constitutional Action is expected shortly from Strasbourg. Lesbian and gay activists have been meeting regularly in the offices of G ay Health Action and the National Gay Federation to consider an approach to the European Court's decision.
David Norris originally challenged the Irish Government on the constitutionality of Ireland's anti-gay laws, the 1861 Offences Against the State Act and the 1885 Criminal Law AmendmentAct, in the late 70's. In June 1980 the High Court in Dublin ruled in favour of the Government and the decision was subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court, where a 3-2 verdict was given again upholding the Government’s arguments. At that stage the case was officially taken up by the National Gay Federation acting as co-plaintiff. In early 1985 the European Commission of Human Rights at the Council of Europe voted on the admissibility of the case, allowing only David Norris to proceed in his action against the Irish Government. The Government was given an opportunity to argue its case for keeping the law on the Statutes. However the action proceeded to the European Court of Human Rights for a full hearing.
The Court indicated early this year that a decision could be expected sometime in September. Because of the similarity with an action taken by gay activist Jeff Dudgeon against the UK Government in 1982 - which later led to a change in the laws governing homosexual activity in Northern Ireland - activists both sides ofthe Border are confident of a favourable decision.