Menu
17/09/2015
Marriage Bill 2015 To Be Published
The Irish Government has approved the publication of the Marriage Bill 2015.
The Marriage Bill 2015 will update the country's laws on marriages to enable couples to marry without distinction as to their sex, following a 'Yes' vote in a Marriage Equality referendum in May of this year.
Article 41.4 of the constitution provides for two persons to have the right to contract a marriage in accordance with law without distinction as to their sex.
Commenting on the publication, Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, said: "I am delighted to be in a position to publish the Marriage Bill 2015 which will, when enacted, enable same-sex couples to marry in Ireland. This Bill implements the strong desire of the Irish people that couples should be able to marry without distinction as to their sex. It will make Marriage Equality a reality in Ireland.
"In accordance with the priority which the Government is attaching to this matter, the legislative process will begin immediately and I will introduce the Bill into the Dáil next week. I hope this legislation can be enacted as soon as possible so that the first same-sex marriages can take place before the end of the year."
Minister Fitzgerald also confirmed that the new Bill will not change the process of registering marriages.
"The Bill retains the existing protections for religious bodies," she said. "They will not be compelled to recognise a particular form of marriage ceremony. Similarly, a religious solemniser will not be compelled to solemnise a marriage that is not in accordance with the form of ceremony recognised by the religious body of which he or she is a member."
(JP/LM)
The Marriage Bill 2015 will update the country's laws on marriages to enable couples to marry without distinction as to their sex, following a 'Yes' vote in a Marriage Equality referendum in May of this year.
Article 41.4 of the constitution provides for two persons to have the right to contract a marriage in accordance with law without distinction as to their sex.
Commenting on the publication, Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, said: "I am delighted to be in a position to publish the Marriage Bill 2015 which will, when enacted, enable same-sex couples to marry in Ireland. This Bill implements the strong desire of the Irish people that couples should be able to marry without distinction as to their sex. It will make Marriage Equality a reality in Ireland.
"In accordance with the priority which the Government is attaching to this matter, the legislative process will begin immediately and I will introduce the Bill into the Dáil next week. I hope this legislation can be enacted as soon as possible so that the first same-sex marriages can take place before the end of the year."
Minister Fitzgerald also confirmed that the new Bill will not change the process of registering marriages.
"The Bill retains the existing protections for religious bodies," she said. "They will not be compelled to recognise a particular form of marriage ceremony. Similarly, a religious solemniser will not be compelled to solemnise a marriage that is not in accordance with the form of ceremony recognised by the religious body of which he or she is a member."
(JP/LM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 October 2015
Seanad Passes Marriage Bill
A law to allow same-sex marriages to be held in Ireland has passed through the Oireachtas. This means the Marriage Bill is ready to be signed into law. Once a commencement order is signed, which could take place within the next two months, marriage ceremonies can begin.
Seanad Passes Marriage Bill
A law to allow same-sex marriages to be held in Ireland has passed through the Oireachtas. This means the Marriage Bill is ready to be signed into law. Once a commencement order is signed, which could take place within the next two months, marriage ceremonies can begin.
22 October 2015
Sinn Féin Welcomes Marriage Equality
Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh has welcomed a bill providing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Speaking during a debate on the Marriage Bill 2015, Senator Ó Clochartaigh said: "Today is a momentous occasion and brings an end to a two-tier system of marriage inequality.
Sinn Féin Welcomes Marriage Equality
Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh has welcomed a bill providing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Speaking during a debate on the Marriage Bill 2015, Senator Ó Clochartaigh said: "Today is a momentous occasion and brings an end to a two-tier system of marriage inequality.
15 January 2015
Labour Welcomes Poll Showing Support For Marriage Equality
A new poll has revealed that up to 80% of people support same-sex marriage, Labour Party TD and Co-Chair of Labour LGBT, John Lyons, has said. Highlighting the Red C/Paddy Power poll, Mr Lyons said: "(The) poll builds upon consecutive national polls which show consistent support to afford gay and lesbian couples the right to civil marriage.
Labour Welcomes Poll Showing Support For Marriage Equality
A new poll has revealed that up to 80% of people support same-sex marriage, Labour Party TD and Co-Chair of Labour LGBT, John Lyons, has said. Highlighting the Red C/Paddy Power poll, Mr Lyons said: "(The) poll builds upon consecutive national polls which show consistent support to afford gay and lesbian couples the right to civil marriage.
06 February 2013
Govt Votes In Favour Of Marriage Equality
Marriage Equality welcomed news that members of Parliament in the UK have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, opening up civil marriage to same sex couples in England and Wales.
Govt Votes In Favour Of Marriage Equality
Marriage Equality welcomed news that members of Parliament in the UK have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, opening up civil marriage to same sex couples in England and Wales.
02 July 2014
Marriage Equality Referendum Set For Spring 2015
The Marriage Equality referendum will take place in spring next year, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told the Dáil. Mr Kenny made the announcement in response to the issue being raised by Sinn Séin leader Gerry Adams, who had called on the government to set a date. The Taoiseach told the Dáil that the referendum would happen in spring 2015.
Marriage Equality Referendum Set For Spring 2015
The Marriage Equality referendum will take place in spring next year, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told the Dáil. Mr Kenny made the announcement in response to the issue being raised by Sinn Séin leader Gerry Adams, who had called on the government to set a date. The Taoiseach told the Dáil that the referendum would happen in spring 2015.
-
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.
