Minister attacks same-sex marriage rulings

A Government minister has launched an attack against broadcasting watchdogs over their "chilling" rulings regarding marriage equality.

Equalities Minister Aodhán Ó Riordáin branded recent decisions by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) so “harsh” they are stymieing debate and adding to an atmosphere where the bid to extend civil marriage rights to same-sex couples would be lost if held now.

Mr Ó Riordáin described as “ridiculous” BAI rulings that discussions of marriage equality on RTÉ’s Mooney show and Newstalk’s Breakfast were not balanced.