Coughlan criticised by gay rights groups
Gay rights activists have criticised comments made by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Coughlan, in which she said Ireland would never be ready for same-sex marriage or adoption.
The Minister was speaking earlier this week at a EU conference on families and social policy in Europe.
The National Lesbian and Gay Federation has said there are plenty of gay families with children at present and that Minister Coughlan is neglecting her duty to protect those children from discrimination.
Spokeswoman Joan O’Connell said the Minister is ignoring human rights treaties.
"The Minister is obviously resisting recognition of the fact that gay couples who have children and who live together actually exist in Ireland.
"The Minister has stated that the EU does not allow for action in relation to family policy at EU level. However, the Minister does have responsibility in relation to the EU - for example, the charter for mental rights provides for the rights of the child which prohibits discrimination of any kind in relation to parents and guardians."
