Ahern targets gay partnership law before election

THE Government is committed to bringing in legislation to recognise same-sex partnerships, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has insisted.

In an interview in the latest edition of Ireland’s leading gay newspaper, Gay Community News, Mr Ahern said he wants to legislate on the issue of same-sex partnership before the next election.

“The commitment of the Taoiseach to legislate on same-sex relationships before the next election is an important step forward, and would greatly improve the status and quality of life for lesbian and gay people in a very short period of time,” said Brian Sheehan of Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) .