Marriage and state-recognised social partnerships best defined separately

DEFINING a legal framework for civil partnerships outside of conventional marriage is appropriate in the current Irish cultural climate. This should include heterosexual and homosexual social partnerships.

There is no need to distort the conventional understanding of the definition of marriage to placate those campaigning for the legal right of state recognition of their social arrangements.

The concept of a civil right varies between cultures and, over time, within cultures. Marriage is an evolved social arrangement to facilitate pair bonding and the upbringing of children. The equivalent can be seen in the animal kingdom.

Religions codify the rules for social control purposes.

The definition of a family is much looser in modern society. This becomes important when child protection, adoptions, property rights and succession are considered.

Both Matt Cooper and Cardinal Brady should realise that you cannot buck nature without serious consequences. Marriage and state-recognised social partnerships are better defined separately simply because they are distinguishable.

The state should strive to put the rights of children first. That is what nature does.

Dr Bill Tormey

Glasnevin Ave

Dublin 11