Call to legalise same-sex unions

CIVIL partnership for same-sex couples is now a matter of “practical and immediate urgency” for lesbian and gay couples, according to the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network.

The network’s annual report, launched yesterday by Justice, Equality and Law Reform Minister Dermot Ahern, details “considerable progress” made for lesbian and gay people of all ages in Irish society over the past year.

However, it also says that significant challenges remain.