Shatter backs same-sex marriage rights

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has become the most senior Fine Gaeler to come out in favour of extending marriage rights to same-sex couples.

He said civil partnerships did not go far enough and parental rights of gay parents need to be reformed.

“A democratic republic that professes a commitment to the principle of equal citizenship should not continue to prevent same-sex couples from entering into a legal partnership that is legally recognised and designated as being a marriage,” Mr Shatter said as he launched a report by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network.