Govt vows to introduce civil unions law next year
The Government is promising to bring in legislation next year recognising civil partnerships among same-sex couples.
The new law will also allow heterosexual couples to form legal arrangements without the requirement of marriage.
The move was announced as the Dáil prepared to debate a Civil Unions Bill proposed by the Labour Party during private members' time.
The Government, however, rejected Labour's version of the bill, claiming it would breach the Constitution by giving unmarried couples similar rights and duties to married couples.
The Green Party had initially supported the Labour proposals before it went into Government with Fianna Fáil and the PDs earlier this year.
However, it now says the Government's own legislation will better address the legal complexities involved in the issue.
