Status of marriage to remain unaltered 

The status of marriage in the Constitution will remain unaltered if equal rights are extended to same-sex couples next month, the Referendum Commission has declared.

The independent body, which is charged with providing neutral information ahead of the national May 22 vote, said passing the proposed amendment would not impact on other laws pertaining to marriage.

Commission chairman and High Court judge Kevin Cross said a marriage equality vote would have no impact on children and parental rights. He said the Government had recently passed legislation covering adoption issues and family rights and that would not be affected by a yes vote.