I agree with colleagues. Senator Mullen's choice of phrase when he referred to "so-called transgender rights" was inappropriate.

Come on, Senator. That is rubbish.

Senator Malcolm Byrne without interruption.

In a republic-----

Surgery on underage kids to change their life-----

Senator Mullen-----

That is some people's definition.

With respect, in a republic-----

We all have views in respect of authentic human rights.

In a republic-----

Senator Malcolm Byrne without interruption.

On a point of order, I ask that politicians in here stop trying to close down debate by stigmatising each other. It is obvious to everybody that we all agree with authentic human rights.

That is a speech. The Senator has made his point of order.

There are controversial issues here that some people would regard as rights and others regard as potentially problematic. There needs to be an openness and respect for each other's views.

People's rights are not up for debate-----

Senators Malcolm Byrne and Gavan have never called for an open debate-----

They are not up for debate.

That is another point of order.

It is very important in this House that we do not have people's rights and existence up for debate. That is not what we are here for.

The Senator should think about the unborn in that context.

I call Senator Malcolm Byrne. There should be no further interruptions.

I assume the Leas-Cathaoirleach will be generous in time in light of the interruptions. Let us be very clear that within a republic, all citizens and residents deserve to be treated equally and with respect. That applies-----

Hear, hear. We all-----

Senator Mullen, no more interruptions.

-----agree with that. Stop the nonsense.

That applies-----

Those who are not born-----

-----to those who are transgender and choose to define themselves in that way. By the way, as far as I am concerned, there were no efforts on my part to shut down free speech. In fact, the interruptions were more a reflection of an effort-----

Please do not provoke further reaction.

There is an attempt to stigmatise people who-----

I wish to move on to-----

Senator Mullen, please do not continue. Senator Malcolm Byrne, without interruption. I ask the Senator to please stop reverting to the matter.