Gay people push for full marriage rights

HUNDREDS of gay rights demonstrators massed outside the Dáil last night to insist on full civil marriage rights for same-sex couples.

The rally coincided with landmark civil partnership legislation being presented to the Dáil by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern.

Independent senator David Norris and a raft of gay rights groups said the move did not go far enough. Addressing a crowd of around 300 outside Leinster House, Mr Norris said it was “unacceptable” for the legislation to ignore the status of children in same-sex relationships and fail to provide guardianship rights for a partner if the natural parent dies.