Former Cork hurling star Conor Cusack joined The Anton Savage Show this morning to give his response to Ger Brennan’s opinion piece on why he's voting no, published in today’s Irish Independent.
“I welcome Ger’s openness”, Conor told Anton, adding that he did not believe the Dublin footballer was homophobic.
“Ger made, what I would say, was a very powerful statement in Croke Park last year when he accepted the cup with his club St. Vincents when he thanked the players’ boyfriends and girlfriends, it was a really pivotal moment."
Conor continued by expressing his concerns about “the likes of Ger’s comments for those people who are vulnerable or aren’t there yet...”
“We keep hearing about kids, but what about those kids that happen to be lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender?” he asked.
“Being an effective parent isn’t about your biology or your genitals, it’s about the quality of love that you bring to a family.”
“I come from a very small community and there’s nothing as strong a symbol in that community with a person being able to get married”.
Regarding Ger’s views on children, Conor said: “It’s a red herring and it’s deflecting from what [the referendum] is about.”
Conor spoke about his own parents’ views on the referendum, and explained that despite both being “devoutly Catholic” and listening to the sermons in mass every week, they will both be voting yes.
When Anton asked him why he feels Ireland needs a yes vote in addition to civil partnership, Conor said: “Civil partnership is about legalities; marriage is about love. The deepest need of any human being is to be loved and to love unconditionally.
“The Marriage Referendum presents that opportunity to people in our society whether lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender to join to the rest of our straight counterparts, standing at the altar of equality."
Listen to Conor's interview in full below:
Earlier in the show, Anton spoke to Ger about the possibility of being “vilified” for writing the piece.
“If I am, I am. I have a thick skin”, Ger replied.
Listen to the in-depth interview with the Dublin star in full below:
