The Journal: Ciaran O’Conner explains how misinformation helps to fuel the anti-LGBTQ movement

Ciarán O’Connor, a senior analyst at ISD, spoke to The Journal about why the court case of a controversial Irish teacher is resonating in the United States.

Ciarán explained that while Enoch Burke has been imprisoned for repeatedly defying court orders, his family claims his legal troubles are the result of religious persecution for his views on the LGBTQ community. This obfuscation helps position Burke within a broader narrative gaining traction both in Ireland and overseas.  

“This framing was adopted by popular online channels, influencers and social media figures, who then amplified this misrepresentation across the world,” said Ciarán. “Notably, this framing played into a broader narrative that framed Burke as a martyr for free speech and religious freedom – two topics of great appeal to certain audiences.” 

“Religious freedom and free speech are unquestionably important topics that must be protected,” he added, “but they have nothing to do with Burke’s imprisonment.”  

Read the full article on The Journal’s website.