Report seeks constitutional change to allow civil unions
A report prepared for the Irish Human Rights Commission has recommended constitutional changes to allow for so-called civil partnerships among both heterosexual and same-sex couples.
The report says current Irish law in this area may be in breach of international human rights conventions by failing to recognise same-sex unions and by treating married couples differently to unmarried couples.
It says legal changes are needed to provide greater protection for unmarried couples and give them more entitlements in the area of inheritance and pension laws.
Speaking at the launch of the document, Justice Minister Michael McDowell rejected the call for constitutional change, but said he did intend to bring in legislation allowing for civil partnerships.
He claimed same-sex couples would not want full marriage rights if they were entitled to register their relationships under such legislation.
However, the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network said today that it wanted homosexual couples to have the same marriage rights as heterosexuals and was disappointed that today's report did not recommend this.
