section_path: Political views/LGBT rights
section_name: LGBT rights
paragraph_text: LGBT rights
  
  In 2012, Martin clashed with Taoiseach Enda Kenny over the issue of same-sex marriage; Martin needled Kenny in the Dáil to declare a firm position on same-sex marriage and urged him to press ahead with a referendum. In 2015, Martin supported a Yes vote in the 2015 marriage equality referendum. In 2019, Martin voiced his support for a similar referendum in Northern Ireland. In 2021, Martin condemned legislation passed in Hungary which prohibited gay people from featuring in educational material, describing it as "unacceptable" and saying a strong response was needed from the European Union.
  
  In 2021, Martin expressed openness to changing laws regarding transgender teenagers and self-identification, stating he believed that "we should consult young trans people to hear their views". In a 2022 interview with NXF, Martin said he had "no time" for a "toxic" discussion on transgender people, saying "acceptance is key" and "we should fully accept and acknowledge their identity in the first instance".