New report backs growing calls for gay marriages
The Government is coming under fresh pressure today to introduce a constitutional amendment paving the way for gay marriages.
A report from the Irish Council of Civil Liberties says the Constitution currently discriminates against same-sex couples and unmarried couples by giving a privileged position to the married family.
The report recommends that this situation should be changed in the interest of equality and children's rights.
It says gay couples should be allowed to marry in accordance with the law, while cohabiting couples should be allowed to register their relationships and receive the same protections as married couples.
The Government has already said it will consider the introduction of a civil partnership system for unmarried couples, regardless of their sexual orientation.
However, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice have both ruled out introducing gay marriage.
