Dáil to consider same-sex civil union law

THE Dáil will this week consider legislation providing for the recognition of same-sex civil unions for the first time in its history, the Labour Party said yesterday.

Central to the Civil Unions Bill to be introduced to the Dáil tomorrow are provisions to ensure that the rules of law applying to marriage will also apply to civil unions. Under the bill, same sex couples would receive the same rights, privileges and benefits under statute law, common law or an administrative scheme.

Yesterday, Labour Justice spokesman Brendan Howlin described the bill as a “very significant step” towards the provision of full equality for gay and lesbian citizens.

He said he was confident that Irish society had “matured” and that attitudes had changed significantly to the point where the majority of Irish people would now have no problem with legislation providing same-sex couples with the same rights as married couples.

“In many respects the tabling of this Bill marks a significant watershed in our legislative and social history,” he said. “This week will mark the first time that the Dáil has been given the opportunity to consider legislation providing for the recognition and registration of civil unions entered into between persons of the same sex.”

Mr Howlin said the Labour Party had tabled the Bill following the Government’s failure to outline any timeframe for implementing the report of the Working Group on Domestic Relationships launched last November.

The Civil Unions Bill to be discussed tomorrow and Wednesday provides that parties to a civil union who are living together may apply to adopt a child. Currently, only a married couple or a single individual, regardless of sexual orientation, can adopt.

In addition, the bill sets out adoption principles which give paramount consideration to the interests and welfare of the child.

The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network has described the bill as a “major step forward”.

Recent research has shown that 52% of Irish people are in favour of full civil marriage for same sex couples while 84% are in favour of legal recognition.