Taoiseach rules out ‘conscience clause’ in same-sex marriage vote

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has ruled out any potential “conscience clause” being inserted in the referendum on marriage equality, despite claims that no voters may be encouraged to vote yes if the move is allowed.

Thu, 16 Apr, 2015 - 01:00

Fiachra Ó Cionnaith

As reported in yesterday’s Irish Examiner, Muslim, Quaker, and Christian groups have sent a petition to Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald for the clause to be introduced so that people opposed to gay marriage are not forced to legitimatise the changes through their businesses.

The request was made after recent high-profile cases involving a baker in the North and a printer in the Republic which both refused to provide services linked to gay marriages.

Those behind the petition — including a prominent member of the Quakers, the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, the Council of Imams, and the Reformed Presbyterian Church — have claimed that without a conscience clause these individuals will “risk prosecution” if they hold firm to their beliefs “in employment, worship, or social interaction”.

Mr Kenny said there is no possibility of the referendum being amended to include the de-facto getout clause.

“The Government has made its decision very clear here in respect to the question that the people will be asked on May 22,” Mr Kenny said.

“That question, of course, is to give their approval if they see fit, and I hope they do, to allow for marriage in civil law irrespective of sexual orientation.”

The author of the petition and clerk of the Galway branch of the Quakers, Richard Kimball, said allowing the clause would encourage no voters — including himself — to vote yes as they would feel their rights are being protected.

Kate Bopp, a spokesperson for the Mothers and Fathers Matter group, said she is in favour of the clause.

The group is advocating a no vote and is due to officially launch its campaign in the coming days.

An independent candidate for North Tipperary at the last general election, Ms Bopp said Mr Kenny’s response was “a bit dismissive” of some people’s concerns, and that the issue comes down to “personal freedoms or liberties”.

Ms Bopp stressed the clause would not mean businesses would discriminate against gay couples, but would be allowed to “politely decline” custom focused solely on gay marriage.

“That’s a very important distinction. It’s not about someone being gay, it’s about gay marriage. It’s like going into a Muslim shop and asking them to make something out of bacon. It would be extremely offensive,” she said.