Menu
02/07/2010
Civil Partnership Bill Passed In Daíl
The Irish Republic is to recognise same-sex 'marriages' with news that the Daíl has passed a Bill that will allow civil partnerships between such couples.
The Civil Partnership and Cohabitation Bill passed through the House without a vote last night and will now go to be ratified by the Seanad, the upper chamber.
A crowd outside the Daíl including Catholic bishops held a protest outside.
Speaking after the bill was passed, Chair of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, Kieran Rose, said: "Today is an historic advance not just for lesbian and gay couples, but for everyone in Ireland. It is a major civil rights reform and a great achievement for Irish society."
The bill was supported by all parties in the Dail, although individual politicians have criticised the legislation.
It is expected to become law in the autumn, 17 years after homosexuality was fully decriminalised in the Irish Republic.
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said it was "one of the most important human rights pieces of legislation the House had dealt with".
"Our society has changed substantially in recent decades,'' he said.
"While marriage is more popular than ever, other forms of relationships have become increasingly common; they create some difficulties in the legal system and require in our law a measure of recognition and of protection."
(DW/BMcC)
The Civil Partnership and Cohabitation Bill passed through the House without a vote last night and will now go to be ratified by the Seanad, the upper chamber.
A crowd outside the Daíl including Catholic bishops held a protest outside.
Speaking after the bill was passed, Chair of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, Kieran Rose, said: "Today is an historic advance not just for lesbian and gay couples, but for everyone in Ireland. It is a major civil rights reform and a great achievement for Irish society."
The bill was supported by all parties in the Dail, although individual politicians have criticised the legislation.
It is expected to become law in the autumn, 17 years after homosexuality was fully decriminalised in the Irish Republic.
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said it was "one of the most important human rights pieces of legislation the House had dealt with".
"Our society has changed substantially in recent decades,'' he said.
"While marriage is more popular than ever, other forms of relationships have become increasingly common; they create some difficulties in the legal system and require in our law a measure of recognition and of protection."
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 January 2013
Civil Partnerships Make Up 2% Of Total For 2012
429 civil partnerships were registered in 2012, accounting for 2% of all unions in the State, according to figures by the Department of Social Protection. Of those 429 unions, 263 were between men and 166 were between women, with at least one civil partnership taking place in every county in the Republic.
Civil Partnerships Make Up 2% Of Total For 2012
429 civil partnerships were registered in 2012, accounting for 2% of all unions in the State, according to figures by the Department of Social Protection. Of those 429 unions, 263 were between men and 166 were between women, with at least one civil partnership taking place in every county in the Republic.
14 January 2015
More Than Half Of Irish Water Customers Now Registered
More than half of Irish Water customers have been registered to date, the company confirmed. Some 760,500 households, or 56.3%, of those eligible for water charges are now registered.
More Than Half Of Irish Water Customers Now Registered
More than half of Irish Water customers have been registered to date, the company confirmed. Some 760,500 households, or 56.3%, of those eligible for water charges are now registered.
03 July 2018
Amended Mental Health Bill Passed Into Law
President Michael D Higgins has passed the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill into law. The Bill will reform Ireland's mental health services by implementating the recommendations contained in the 2015 report on the Expert Group on the Review of the Mental Health Act.
Amended Mental Health Bill Passed Into Law
President Michael D Higgins has passed the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill into law. The Bill will reform Ireland's mental health services by implementating the recommendations contained in the 2015 report on the Expert Group on the Review of the Mental Health Act.
10 March 2017
SIPTU Welcomes Measures In New Sexual Offences Bill
Measures which criminalise prostitution in the new Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 have been welcomed by trade union SIPTU. The Bill passed both Houses of the Oireachtas last month. The new legislation strengthens laws to combat child pornography and prevent the sexual grooming of children.
SIPTU Welcomes Measures In New Sexual Offences Bill
Measures which criminalise prostitution in the new Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 have been welcomed by trade union SIPTU. The Bill passed both Houses of the Oireachtas last month. The new legislation strengthens laws to combat child pornography and prevent the sexual grooming of children.
15 July 2015
Low Pay Commission Bill To Be Signed Into Law
The Low pay Commission Bill has passed all stages in the House of the Oireachtas and will now be sent to President Michael D Higgins for early signature into law. The new Commission will be tasked with advising the Government on the appropriate rate of the National Minimum Wage and other policy areas related to low pay.
Low Pay Commission Bill To Be Signed Into Law
The Low pay Commission Bill has passed all stages in the House of the Oireachtas and will now be sent to President Michael D Higgins for early signature into law. The new Commission will be tasked with advising the Government on the appropriate rate of the National Minimum Wage and other policy areas related to low pay.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
