Child surrogacy not part of gay marriage vote

I write in response to Margaret Hickey’s letter (Irish Examiner, March 30), in which she references Asher’s Bakery, Dolce and Gabbana, and Brendan Eich to argue that we are losing our freedom of debate.

This is inaccurate: freedom of dissent or debate does not mean freedom from consequence. One person’s freedom to debate does not trump or override another’s freedom to respond.

Regarding Ms. Hickey’s concerns with surrogacy, the only question being put to the voters in the same-sex marriage referendum is whether or not loving and committed same-sex couples have the right to a civil marriage.

This referendum is not about adoption or surrogacy; those issues are dealt with in legislation and are not part of the referendum, and, therefore, should not form part of the debate.

Passing or defeating this amendment will not alter the situation one bit.

Mary Cleary

Ballincollig

Co. Cork