Time for Ireland to accept gay marriages

[Catmalojin]

Just to add to that, the Greens also want to bring in same-sex marriage, and seem well versed in constitutional law!

Providing for same-sex marriage

Article 41 of the Constitution deals with marriage.
Art 41.3.1 states

The State pledges to guard with special care the institution of Marriage, on which the Family is founded, and to protect it against attack.

As can be seen, this statement does not define marriage as a union solely between a man and a woman. As such, the Green Party proposes introducing a bill that would make all terms connected to marriage gender neutral, thus permitting same-sex marriage. Such a bill would almost certainly have to be referred to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality. We believe that the Supreme Court would be unlikely to strike down such an expression of the democratic will of the Oireachtas on the grounds that marriage under Art 41 can only be defined in relation to Christian beliefs. We see there being no grounds for the Supreme Court to support such a theocratic interpretation of our Constitution. However, should the Supreme Court strike down such a bill that would extend the definition of marriage to same-sex couples, we would then support appropriate constitutional amendment.

[odlum833]

Why are you guys so focused on this? Surely there are bigger issues at stake in the election?

[Catmalojin]

Originally Posted by odlum833

Why are you guys so focused on this? Surely there are bigger issues at stake in the election?

It is a thread about same-sex marriage, and party policies are kind of relevant.

Of course it's not the biggest election issue, but it is an issue for the gay and lesbian community.

[Catmalojin]

First Irish public civil partnership services

Updated: 19:34, Tuesday, 5 April 2011

The first public same sex civil partnerships in Ireland have taken place.

Dubliners Hugh Walsh and Barry Dignam were the first couple to publicise their civil partnership.

The new law, which was enacted on 1 January, requires three months' notice to the General Register Office.

The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network has described today's ceremony as a huge historic moment for the Lesbian and Gay Community in Ireland.

GLEN Chairman Kieran Rose said Irish society used to be one of the most repressive when it came to gay rights, but that this legislation along with other developments now made it one of the most progressive in terms of legal status.

He said he was hopeful this was the first step towards giving gay couples the same rights as married couples.

He is quite hopeful that there will be further progress in this area in the near future, he added.

The General Register Office has received 267 notices of intention to enter into a civil partnership to date.

Six ceremonies have taken place since 7 February by couples who obtained a special court exemption from the notice period. These couples asked for their ceremonies not to be publicised.

But today's ceremonies are the first to take place without a court exemption.

Story from RTÉ News:
http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0405/civilpartnership.html

...

[Dan]

Did the govt include anything about marriage in its plans?

[yannms2001]

from pg 18 of the programme for govt:



Broader constitutional review We will establish a Constitutional Convention to consider comprehensive constitutional reform, with a brief to consider, as a whole or in sub-groups, and report within 12 months on the following:

• Review of our Dáil electoral system.

• Reducing the presidential term to 5 years and aligning it with the local and European elections

• Provision for same-sex marriage.

• Amending the clause on women in the home and encourage greater participation of women in public life.

• Removing blasphemy from the Constitution

• Possible reduction of the voting age.

• Other relevant constitutional amendments that may be recommended by the Convention.



the following are in there also, pg 53 and 54 :


We will encourage schools to develop anti-bullying policies and in particular, strategies to combat homophobic bullying.

We will ensure that trans-gender people will have legal recognition and extend the protections of the equality legislation to them

http://www.labour.ie/download/pdf/pr...government.pdf

[Catmalojin]

Also to add:

Nearly three-quarters of Irish people in favour of gay marriage

06/03/11

ALMOST THREE-QUARTERS of people in Ireland are in favour of gay marriage according to a new poll published today.

A Sunday Times/Red C poll found that 73 per cent of people agree that gay couples should be allowed to marry with 53 per cent of those agreeing strongly with the idea.

A total of 14 per cent strongly disagree with the idea while 8 per cent disagree slightly. The poll found that women were more likely to agree with the idea of gay marriage than men by a difference of 16 per cent.

Three in five also believe that gay couples should be allowed to adopt children, according to the poll.

TheJournal.ie

[nordisk celt83]

Civil Partnerships may be a short lived affair so... Perhaps President David Norris will sign the marriage bill into legislation, which would be a nice end to the story, considering all the sterling work he has done for human rights and gay rights in particular!!!

[Catmalojin]

Been a while since the topic even came up, but there's a piece in today's Irish Times:

Authority wants to see gay marriage

MARY MINIHAN

Wed, Aug 10, 2011

POLITICIANS ARE out of touch with the public mood on the issue of gay marriage, Equality Authority chairwoman Angela Kerins has suggested.

Ms Kerins welcomed the passing of legislation allowing for civil partnerships to take place, but stressed the Equality Authority remained committed to seeing gay marriage introduced.

“If you look at the opinion polls now in relation to marriage equality, the ordinary people of Ireland are really in support of it, the vast majority of people now are supporting equal marriage,” she said, “so I think politicians will catch up with that.

“The people of Ireland have come around and they’re prepared for it and we just need the politicians to catch up with that . . . If the people of Ireland strongly support this, I think politicians will follow through too.”

At the launch of the Equality Authority’s annual report for 2010 yesterday, Ms Kerins said opinion polls had consistently showed a continuous increase in support for gay marriage.

An Irish Times /Behaviour Attitudes poll in September of last year showed just over two-thirds of people, or 67 per cent, believed gay couples should be allowed to marry.

Ms Kerins said all families should be treated equally and legislation had to keep up with changes in the make-up of families. The “modern diversity of parenting arrangements” should be acknowledged in family law, “so that the rights and responsibilities of both the mother and the father and all those in a parenting role are appropriately recognised”.

Ms Kerins said the Equality Authority had been working on the area of family rights, particularly the rights of children and the involvement of fathers in their lives.

The planned referendum on children’s rights offered an opportunity for a “national debate” in relation to the rights of children and their families.

“I would urge the Government to take courageous steps in this area to ensure that every child and every family is recognised and supported equally.”

© 2011 The Irish Times

[Catmalojin]

Poll shows strong support for same-sex marriage

MORE THAN 70 per cent of people polled in a recent Red C research project said they agreed that same-sex marriage should be allowed in the Irish constitution.

The research was presented to the Oireachtas yesterday in a report prepared for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on last year’s Constitutional referendum.

Report on Reasons Behind Voter Behaviour in the Oireachtas Inquiry Referendum 2011 also looked at why people voted as they did in the October referendum on the powers of the Oireachtas and what the public thinks about other aspects of the political reform agenda.

“The poll confirms the openness of Irish people and their support for further critically important progress to achieving equality for lesbian and gay people,” said Kieran Rose, chairperson of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN).

GLEN works towards securing access to civil marriage for lesbian and gay people as it sees it as the only option that will achieve equality of status with opposite-sex couples.

The survey follows yesterday’s reports that the Government will soon issue draft proposals for the make-up of the Constitutional Convention which will look at possible changes to the constitution, also allowing for amendments to the Dáil’s electorate system, the length of the presidential term, the clause on women in the home, the inclusion of blasphemy as an offence and the voting age.

As well as the poll on same-sex marriage, the Red C research revealed an 87 per cent support for a significant reduction in the number of TDs.

There was firm opposition to any reform of the single transferable vote electoral system with only 34 per cent agreeing that it should be replaced.

It was a mixed reaction from those polled on reducing the presidential term from seven to five years and removing the offence of blasphemy from the constitution.

The possibility of omitting the constitutional reference to women’s life within the home was also met with divided opinions.

The same survey asked 1005 respondents if the Seanad should be abolished and 59 per cent agreed that it should. Asked about local government, six in ten people said it should be given power to raise and manage it owns finances.

Download: The full Oireachtas Report here>

TheJournal.ie

...

[JD47]

Yeah I have no problem with gay marriage. If a gay man wants to marry a gay man so be it. I am definitely up for women getting married. That would be deadly.

[Onoudidnt]

Hahaha good man JD!

[Catmalojin]

Meanwhile, at the Fianna Fáil Árd Fheis...

Fianna Fáil passes same sex marriage motion
Updated: 14:59, Saturday, 3 March 2012

The Fianna Fáil Árd Fheis has passed motions recognising the right to same sex marriage and to the right of gay couples to adopt.

The vote was welcomed by party leader Micheál Martin, who was also critical of the Government for giving what he said were "mixed messages" on the Fiscal Stability Treaty.

He said the messaging must be clear, and that the issue of concessions on promissory notes must be dealt with separately.

Mr Martin would not be drawn on whether he will use tonight's leader's address, to be broadcast live on RTÉ Radio and Television at 8.30pm, to apologise for the party's role in our current economic situation.

He said the messaging must be clear, and that the issue of concessions on promissory notes must be dealt with separately.

In his opening address last night Mr Martin put down a clear marker that members criticised in the Mahon Report would have action taken against them.

That message appears to have gone down very well with delegates, who are strongly supporting his position on the issue of ethics.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is attending the Árd Fheis. He was greeted by a number of delegates on the floor, but refused to talk to media.

Justice Spokesperson Dara Calleary thanked the delegates for keeping the debate civil following the same sex marriage and gay adoption vote.

He also commended Cllr Malcolm Byrne from Gorey, Co Wexford, the only openly homosexual Fianna Fáil representative who spoke in favour of the motions.

Marriage Equality has welcomed the success of the motions.

"The importance of today's vote cannot be overstated," said Marriage Equality Director Moninne Griffith.

"We are delighted that Fianna Fáil delegates agree with the majority of Irish people who support marriage equality, and voted in favour of equal rights for same-sex couples, our families and our children."

Story from RTÉ News:
http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0303/ardfheis.html

Emphasis in bold my own.

This move by Fianna Fáil makes Fine Gael the only party that hasn't come out (sorry ) in favour of same-sex marriage, though I think Young Fine Gael has.

[thebig C]

Originally Posted by JD47

Yeah I have no problem with gay marriage. If a gay man wants to marry a gay man so be it. I am definitely up for women getting married. That would be deadly.

LOL

[Catmalojin]

Eamon Gilmore: “The time has come on gay marriage”

TÁNAISTE EAMON GILMORE has become the most senior government minister to publicly say that he wants to see same-sex marriage introduced in Ireland.

The Labour leader confirmed that same-sex marriage will be included for consideration by the upcoming constitutional convention, which will overhaul the existing 1937 Constitution which currently gives special mention to protecting the institution of marriage from attack.

Gilmore said that he believes the time for gay couples to be allowed to marry has come:

"I believe that in certain key areas, our laws are out of step with public opinion. I don’t believe for example that it should ever be the role of the State to pass judgement on whom a person falls in love with, or whom they want to spend their life with."

"That is why the issue of same-sex marriage is to be included for consideration by the constitutional convention. I believe in gay marriage. The right of gay couples to marry is, quite simply, the civil rights issue of this generation and, in my opinion, its time has come."

The Tánaiste said that if Labour as a party is serious about building a new progressive society, same-sex marriage is an issue which has to be resolved.

Gilmore made the announcement the same weekend as the Dublin Pride parade took place on the streets of the capital.

His comments were welcomed GLEN – the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network – who said there was now a “clear political consensus” to push for same-sex marriage.

“To move to marriage now and provide full Constitutional equality for lesbian and gay people is not a massive legislative leap; it is an incremental step, building on the success of our Civil Partnership legislation,” said Kieran Rose, the chair of GLEN.

Marriage Equality, which campaigns for equality for same-sex couples, said it was a “historic point” in the campaign.

A Red C poll in February found that more than 70 per cent of people believed that same-sex marriage should be allowed under the Irish constitution.

Fine Gael members voted at the party’s Ard-Fheis in March to see same-sex marriage prioritised by the upcoming constitutional convention.

Eight states in America have already legalised same-sex marriage over the past year and in May, Barack Obama became the first US president to openly say that he fully supports same-sex marriage.

TheJournal.ie

...

[nordisk celt83]

Bye bye Civil Partnership!!!

[Catmalojin]

And another one...

Justice Minister indicates support for gay marriage

Jul 2nd, 2012, 9:37 am

The Justice Minister has indicated his support for gay marriage.

Alan Shatter says it is in the public interest to address the issue in the forthcoming Constitutional Convention.

It follows comments by the Tánaiste and Labour leader Eamon Gilmore yesterday who said the time has come for a move on gay marriage in Ireland.

Speaking as the Dublin Gay Pride festival came to a close yesterday Mr. Gilmore said the issue of same-sex marriage is to be included for consideration by the Constitutional Convention.

The leader of the Labour Party also said that if his party is serious about building a new progressive society the issue of gay marriage is one that they must resolve.

Minister Shatter meanwhile says people should be able to get on with their own lives freely.

He spoke with Breakfast here on Newstalk.

Newstalk

[Dan]

Be nice when it happens...if this constitutional committee ever comes.

[Catmalojin]

Fair play to Cork City Council:

Full gay marriage would require referendum - Quinn
Updated: 18:06, Tuesday, 10 July 2012


Ruairi Quinn said the Labour Party always supported gay marriage

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has said there would need to be a referendum to introduce gay marriage in Ireland.

Mr Quinn said that the Labour Party always supported gay marriage but that the Constitution "defined marriage''.

He said civil partnerships had delivered a certain amount of rights to gay couples.

However, his "own personal view" is that it would now be something the Constitutional Convention would look at and make recommendations.

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said yesterday that he would "probably" support a constitutional amendment.

He said: "I suppose, depending on the proposition, if there was a referendum on it, I would probably vote Yes."

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said last week that the matter would be discussed by the Constitutional Convention.

Elsewhere, Cork City Council has passed a motion - unanimously and without debate- supporting same-sex marriage.

It is believed to be the first council in the Republic to support such a motion.

The motion, moved by Sinn Féin, says the council supports the same rights and entitlements to civil marriage for all citizens of Cork city, regardless of race, religion or sexuality.

The passing of the motion was welcomed by the Sinn Féin leader on Cork City Council, Cllr Chris O'Leary.

He said Cork was sending out a message in favour of legislation for same-sex marriage.

Story from RTÉ News:
http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0710/gay...eferendum.html

[Catmalojin]

Motion on marriage equality across race, religion and sexuality is passed

FIONA GARTLAND

Tue, Sep 04, 2012

Dublin City councillors voted last night to support marriage equality “regardless of race, religion or sexuality”.

But the vote was not unanimous with four Fine Gael councillors voting against it and the Lord Mayor, Naoise Ó Muirí, abstaining.

The motion, that “Dublin City Council supports full marriage equality for all citizens regardless of race, religion or sexuality” was tabled by Cllr Jane Horgan Jones (Lab), with a similar motion from a group led by Cllr Larry O’Toole (SF) passed at the same time. Ms Horgan Jones said Dublin had an opportunity to show unanimous support for equality.

Cllr Kieran Binchy (FG) said he didn’t care if gay marriage was trendy, he would support the motion because it was “an idea whose time had come”. And Mr O’Toole said that, as the largest council, Dublin needed to show a lead and recognise equal rights.

But Cllr Paddy McCartan (FG) said he wanted to put on the record there was not a consensus in the council. He said he remembered when homosexuals and lesbians “were seen to be pariahs” and that was not correct. But he did not see why there was a need to go beyond civil partnership.

Fine Gael councillor Dr Bill Tormey also voted against the motion. He said the prime reason you can’t equate heterosexual and homosexual marriage was because the outcome was different, “it was children”.

© 2012 The Irish Times

Bill Tormey is a moron.