Dáil to debate gay marriage bill
Draft laws to legalise gay marriages will be debated in the Dáil today and tomorrow for the second time this year.
The Labour Party tabled its Civil Union Bill last February but the Government decided to stall it for six months knowing it would fall when the 29th Dail was dissolved.
On that occasion, five Green TDs including current leader John Gormley supported the legislation from the Opposition benches.
The Bill aims to give full legal recognition to same sex unions thus creating a status relationship equivalent to marriage for same sex couples.
The Programme for Government said civil partnerships will be legislated for by the Coalition during the lifetime of the Government.
But Labour is re-introducing its Bill to take the lead on the reform of social legislation.
It will be debated during the party’s private members’ time and voted on tomorrow night. Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan expected to speak on the issue.
Proposer of the Bill, Labour’s law reform spokesman Brendan Howlin, said that its enactment would represent a very significant step towards the provision of full equality for gay and lesbian citizens.
“Gay and lesbian citizens are entitled to expect the Dáil to legislate to ensure that they have the same basic rights as other citizens.
“I am also confident that Irish society has matured and attitudes have changed sufficiently to a stage where a majority of our people would have no problem with legislation that would provide same-sex couples with the same rights and duties that are generally available to married couples.
“I hope that the Government will now face up to their responsibilities to all our citizens. I hope that they will not try to dodge the issue as they did in February last and that they will not oppose our motion, thus allowing the Bill to proceed towards final enactment.”
