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.

Around 200 friends and supporters, including politicians, business people and human rights activists, attended the first fundraising event yesterday, a lunch in Dublin’s Mansion House, to launch the support group, Friends of KAL.

Gay rights campaigner, Senator David Norris, said it was time the law was changed to create a partnership status for all committed couples that was equal to marriage, and also to allow same-sex couples enter a civil marriage.

“I congratulate these two wonderful and courageous women for taking this very important action,” he said.

The case will be fought on equality grounds, arguing all citizens are entitled to equal treatment under law. Eoin Collins, policy change director with the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, said new British civil partnership legislation would mean a huge difference in the treatment of same-sex couples north and south of the Border.

Mr Collins said it was hard to estimate how many couples might benefit if the case is successful.

“You never know how many people will come forward until you get rid of the discrimination,” Mr Collins said.