Lá Féile Páraic.

Ireland has become a very pro-equality country. The U.S. isn’t quite there. The New York City St. Patrick’s Day day still excludes gays. The Irish Foreign Minister doesn’t approve:

New Irish Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore has criticized New York St.Patrick’s parade organizers for excluding Gays

“What these parades are about is a celebration of Ireland and Irishness. I think they need to celebrate Ireland as it is, not as people imagine it. Equality is very much the center of who we are in our identity in Ireland.”

“This issue of exclusion is not Irish, let’s be clear about it. Exclusion is not an Irish thing….. I think that’s the message that needs to be driven home.”

He made his remarks in a first-of-its-kind meeting on Wednesday with prominent New York Irish gay community leaders and groups at the Irish Consulate on Park Avenue to hear their concerns and suggestions.