Marriage equality: ‘poll is all about love, not children’

The looming marriage equality referendum is about love, not children, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has insisted.

Responding to claims from the No camp that issues like adoption rights are linked to the vote, Mr Kenny said such matters were entirely separate and would be dealt with in legislation.

“As head of government I think this is about love and respect and dignity and tolerance and equality.

“It will be a straight question as to whether people, irrespective of their sexual orientation, being able to marry each other.

“I believe strongly this is a unique opportunity to show tolerance and respect.

“What you don’t want here is alienation. I hope the opinions voiced by every person are respected for what they are.

“If two people love each other, that’s the issue, it’s about equality.

“Children are not involved in the actual referendum here. There are two separate issues,” Mr Kenny told Newstalk.

The Taoiseach said matters regarding children and adoptive rights would be dealt with in the Child and Family Relationships Bill set to go through the Dáil next month.