McDowell: same-sex marriage law change unlikely

THE Government is unlikely to introduce legislation on the rights and legal status of same sex-couples and cohabitants before the next general election.

Following yesterday’s publication of an options paper on domestic partnership, Justice Minister Michael McDowell said that significant improvements for same-sex couples, opposition-sex couples and non-conjugal relationships could be made within the constitution.

He added that he and the Taoiseach were of the view that a referendum on marriage could prove divisive. “The Taoiseach and I have indicated that it is our intention to legislate in a way within the constitution which gives additional fairness to the lives of people who have so far been marginalised in Irish life,” he said.