Greens promise to legalise gay marriage if elected to Govt

The Green Party has launched proposals to legalise gay marriages in Ireland if it forms part of the next Government.

Under the plans, the State would also recognise so-called civil partnerships for homosexual and heterosexual couples who live together but have not tied the knot.

The Greens say the changes would bring the Constitution into line with modern times.

Launching the proposals today, party spokesman Ciaran Cuffe said the Constitution states all citizens must be treated equally, but the State currently discriminates against gays and lesbians in relation to marriage rights.