Same-sex union supporters raise funds for High Court challenge

SUPPORTERS of a lesbian couple seeking legal recognition for their overseas marriage have set up a fund to pay for their upcoming High Court case.

Katherine Zappone and Ann Louise Gilligan are awaiting a hearing date for their challenge against the Revenue Commissioners, who refuse to grant them the same tax status as other married couples.

The couple, who have been partners for 20 years, married in a civil ceremony in Canada in 2003 and want the State to recognise the legality of that union and, in doing so, grant all same-sex couples in Ireland the right to marry and enjoy the same status in legal, welfare and tax matters as other married couples.