Partners bill does not require a referendum

IN his letter (April 28), Tom Kindlon asks in respect of the proposed Civil Partnership Bill: “Why are we being denied the chance to have our say in a referendum?”

Mr Kindlon should be aware no one is being “denied” anything.

The simple fact is that the bill does not bring about any changes to the constitution, so a referendum is not needed. It’s as simple as that.

A referendum would only be required if the legislation granted adoption rights or full civil marriage to same-sex couples. The Civil Partnership Bill does not propose to do this.

The reasons behind calls for a referendum from groups opposed to this legislation are clear for all to see.

Recent referendums on the Lisbon Treaty were used by right-wing reactionary groups to whip up fear and suspicion against what were completely innocuous changes to the law.

Clearly, they yearn for an opportunity to do the same again in pursuit of their never-ending quest to turn Ireland back into a church-dominated theocracy.

Barry Walsh

Brooklawn

Clontarf

Dublin 3