RTE has said it is "disappointed" that Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride has cut media ties with the national broadcaster but defended its controversial coverage.
Joe Duffy's Liveline was accused of airing anti-transgender segments on Monday.
In a statement, RTE said "sometimes uncomfortable, difficult and contentious" public discussion is central to the broadcaster's purpose.
Read more: Dublin Pride severs media ties with RTE following Liveline segments
A spokesperson for RTE said: "Standing with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month sends an important signal that RTE is here to serve everyone."
“Public discussion - sometimes uncomfortable, difficult, and contentious - is central to RTÉ’s prescribed purpose. RTE is acutely aware that discussions on issues such as gender and identity are deeply personal to many.
“It is important we listen to them, their families and those close to them, and it is also important that we allow our audiences engage with and understand the issues involved.”
Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride announced last night that they cut their media partnership with RTE after Liveline was accused of airing anti-trans segments.
The organisers of the pride parade that is set to take place next weekend claimed Joe Duffy's show on RTE Radio 1 gave a platform to "extremely harmful anti-trans 'discussions'".
A spokesperson said in a statement on Twitter: "Over the past three years, we have worked together with the national broadcaster to increase the positive representation of LGBTQ+ people on TV, radio, and online, and to see the good work of so many people undone is saddening in the extreme and negates much of the efforts made to date.
"It breaches trust with our community and causes untold hurt."
They added that they were "angered and disappointed" by the "unacceptable and triggering" programmes.
The organisers had demanded a response from RTE on how "they will make amends for this situation and are committed to continuing the fight for equality, fairness, and respect for all members of the LGBTQ+ family".
Read more: Dublin Pride Parade 2022: Everything you need to know before massive celebration returns
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