In all conscience, I cannot approve of denying children a parent

This is about rejecting the 21st century cruelty that denies a child a mother or a father, through surrogacy writes Margaret Hickey

FREEDOM of thought, conscience and religion is an accepted principle. It presumes reciprocal respect, or at least tolerance. It may also demand reciprocal co-operation, and this is where problems arise.

Should the same-sex mariage amendment be carried, the Tanaiste, Joan Burton, has said there will be no ‘conscience clause’ to allow anyone refuse goods and services to marrying gay couples. Bakers and florists have made headlines in Northern Ireland and the US for asserting freedom of conscience on this issue.