Full equality for same sex couples - pledge by Ahern
The Government will pass laws as soon as possible to allow gay couples to marry, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today.
Mr Ahern insisted that the current Coalition was committed to providing full equality to same-sex couples in society.
The Taoiseach was speaking as he reopened the refurbished Outhouse community centre in central Dublin, which has survived two arson attacks.
“This Government is committed to providing a more supportive and secure legal environment for same-sex couples,” he said.
“Taking into account the Options Paper prepared by the Colley Group, and the pending Supreme Court case, we will legislate for Civil Partnerships at the earliest possible date in the lifetime of this Government,” he added.
The Outhouse on Capel Street contains a café, library and office space for 70 groups working on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) issues. It receives more than 25,000 visitors annually.
Outhouse manager Louise Tierney said the lack of recognition of gay relationships was discriminatory and called for immediate action.
“The lack of recognition of same-sex relationships is a barrier to real equality. It engenders discrimination and puts gay people at distinct disadvantage when it comes to basic rights around inheritance.
“The 30th Dáil should prioritise legislative reform to allow for recognition of gay partnerships. While we would like to see such reform within the coming year, it would be unacceptable if it did not take place within the lifetime of this Dáil.”
Ms Tierney added that elderly gay people were reluctant to engage with elder care health services and community care because of the fear of discrimination.
She also called for resources to set up a creche in Outhouse to allow gay parents to go out to work.
