Rights groups respond to Bishops’ statement on Civil Partnership Bill

Gay rights activists today responded to a statement by Ireland's Catholic Bishops in which they said the Civil Partnership Bill undermines the constitutional position of marriage.

In a statement issued yesterday following their Summer General Meeting, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference called on the Government to support a free vote for all members of Dáil Éireann and the Seanad on the Bill as it passes through the Houses of the Oireachtas.