New Irish foreign minister Eamon Gilmore criticized New York St. Patrick’s Day organizers for excluding the gay community.

Gilmore believes that by excluding LGBTs, the parade does not encapsulate “Irishness,” because Ireland is a very accepting place – the Irish pride themselves on equality.

“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.” Gilmore told Irish Central.

Gilmore met with the NYC gay community on Wednesday at the Irish consulate to discuss their concerns and suggestions. Issues discussed included the urgent need for LGBT – inclusive immigration reform, the need for full marriage equality, and a request for government help in mediating the longstanding exclusion of Irish gay groups from marching with their own banners in the Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Manhattan.

The Foreign Minister has committed himself to discussing adding gay marriage to the Irish Constitution.

Gilmore told Irish Central. “Ireland has changed. It was not that long ago that homosexuality was decriminalized in Ireland. I don’t think it’s courageous at all to have this meeting. It’s a normal part of the work we should be doing.”