Ireland Begin Debate Of Civil Partnership Bill Amid Criticism From Both Sides

Irish lawmakers yesterday began their debate on a Civil Partnership bill that would act to grant gay and lesbian couples similar rights to those of heterosexual married couples.

Marking a huge step forward for a country that has long seen the government influenced by the Roman Catholic opposition to homosexuality, this bill would act to give gay and lesbian couples not only the right to have their relationships legally recognised, but would also ensure that they are entitled to financial support from each other as well as make claims on the others property should they split up.

What however is not covered in this first draft is any legal recognition of any relationship between the children of one partner and the other partner. The bill would also not allow couples to jointly adopt children.

The Justice Minister Dermot Ahern has said that the bill marks a big step forward for a country that until 1993 categorised homosexuality as a criminal offence, saying that to not have it in place “only helps to reinforce prejudice in our society.”

The bill, in this current state has however been met with criticism by the LGBT community and religious groups, with many gay rights groups angered that it does not give equal civil marriage rights, whilst religious groups and some lawmakers want a “freedom of conscience” amendment that allows those who offer wedding services, such as hotels and wedding photographers, to deny their services to gays planning their civil partnerships.

Ahern has said that the latter amendment will not be included because it violates the 2004 anti-discrimination laws and expects to see the law passed this month thanks to the strong backing of opposition parties.