Protests launched against Govt's civil partnership bill

A series of protests is taking place across the country today in opposition to the Government's proposed civil partnership legislation.

The gay equality group ''Noise'' is describing the proposal as derisory and limited.

The group is holding marches in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Waterford this afternoon.

Spokesperson Paul Kenny says the government is failing to offer equality to gay couples.

"This scheme is going to establish a separate system for recognition of gay couples and we believe the only way to the grant equality that they deserve as gay people is to lift the ban on marriages for gay couples," he said.