"McAleese [former Irish President Mary McAleese] applauded activists who have raised awareness of the persecution of gay people over the centuries and emphasised that they are 'as entitled to live on their terms as heterosexuals are to live on theirs'. Her comments come just over one week after accusing the Catholic Church of being partly responsible for the growing number of gay men who take their own lives. She said when the research is broken down, it shows young gay teens are one of the most at-risk groups in Ireland." (Quoted from article)