A protest was held outside RTE in Dublin last night over the appearance of Graham Linehan on a programme on transgender issues.
The Father Ted co-creator featured in a segment on Prime Time which focused on the increasing amount of young people looking to change gender.
Linehan has been criticised for his controversial opinions on the issue where he recently said that "you don't tell vulnerable kids fairy stories about being born in the wrong body".
More than 6,000 people had signed a petition calling for his appearance to be cancelled as he is not a medical expert on the issue.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Irish Times this week Mr Linehan said he was sceptical of “early affirmation” of transgender; self-identification of transgender; and “the actions of some activists, which will stop those genuinely needing help from getting it”.
RTÉ reports that around 50 activists were at the studio last night.
Ellen Murray from Transgender Equality Network Ireland does not feel Linehan's opinions should be given a national platform.
"Trans people in Ireland enjoy widespread support from women's organisations, from human rights organisations and right across the political spectrum," said Ms Murray.
"The arguments that this particular guest brings up are just not grounded in facts, in research or in experiences of trans people on the ground."
Supporters and members of the Transgender community protesting at RTE Studios Dublin last night over the broadcast of a pre-recorded Prime Time interview with Father Ted writer Graham Linehan. Pic: Collins
