Civil partnerships - Landmark bill needs to go further

CONSIDERING it is only 16 years since homosexual acts were decriminalised in Ireland, yesterday’s publication of the Civil Partnership Bill granting legal recognition to same-sex relationships must set some sort of speed record for legislation reflecting social change.

Yet it is understandable why gay and lesbian rights groups and equality campaigners are disappointed that the bill, a landmark document though it is, doesn’t go further and grant full marriage entitlements.

Having taken such a significant step towards equality for all committed couples, they argue, why stop so agonisingly short of capturing the prize?