Absence of a biological parent is a real concern

All loving relationships are life-enhancing and although they may lead us on unfamiliar paths, they are paths of beauty that always lead us home. I believe, however they voted in this marriage referendum, all fair-minded people would be in favour of acknowledging and respecting gay and lesbian unions.

Those on the no-side would also have been in favour of protecting them equally with traditional marriages and all other family units under the Constitution.

The main worry on the no-side came from the fact that although the referendum in itself did not concern children, marriage has been closely connected with the begetting of children for a very long time in our history.

Children do not of course spring naturally from homosexual unions and for such unions to be gifted with children it is necessary for a third person to be involved and then step aside.

The possible consequences on children yet unborn of deliberately constructed parental triangles remains a cause of concern for many.

The planned absence from the child’s life of a natural parent is not to be taken lightly.

At this time of Pentecost, we are reminded that the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control.

These qualiities were evident in the referendum and it was clear that people really wanted to heal the hurts of the past.

We need these gifts as much as ever, to prevent different hurts in the future.

Rosie Cargin

The Grove

Compass Hll

Kinsale

Co Cork