Powerful and poignant words from the actor…
The first Claire Byrne Live show got off to a very engaging and topical start last night as the RTE broadcaster and her panel discussed the issue of same sex marriage on her debut show.
The topic has been very prominent in the news recently after Health Minister, Leo Varadkar spoke publicly about being gay, while Farrell himself hasn’t been shy when it comes to giving his support for marriage equality in the past.
The In Bruges star talked openly with Byrne about how his brother Eamon was beaten up throughout his life because he’s gay and how he feels that it’s “sad, disappointing and unfair” that his brother had to leave Ireland to get married.
Farrell recorded the interview with Byrne via a satellite link from Los Angeles and some of the more interesting quotes included:
On Ireland’s current legislation:
“To think that they had to leave their own country to do that is sad and disappointing and just grossly unfair I feel”.
On the traditional concept of marriage:
“All we’ve known up until now is marriage between a man and a woman and guess what, there’s a hell of a lot of unsuccessful marriages between men and women.
On giving his support to same sex marriage:
“I carry Ireland with me everywhere I go, and I love my country deeply. This is my coming out of the closet as it were publicly and saying that I support this vote with every fibre of my being.”
The actor’s interview is compelling viewing.
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