New Regulations To Make It Easier For Civil Partners To Get Married

New regulations have been introduced to make it easier for civil partners who now wish to marry following the commencement of the Marriage Act 2015.

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, has signed the Regulations and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald signed the Commencement Order for the Act at a ceremony in Dublin Castle.

From 16 November, same-sex couples will have the right to marry without distinction as to their sex as provided for in Article 41.4 of the Constitution.

The Tánaiste said: "The marriage equality referendum was a magical, moving moment – a massive leap for equality in this country. Today is another historic step in the journey away from discrimination and prejudice, and towards acceptance, tolerance and love.

"Having worked tirelessly to push the Marriage Act through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible, Minister Fitzgerald has today signed the Commencement Order giving effect to the Act, making marriage a reality for LGBT couples.

"Separately, I have signed regulations to make things easier for couples in Civil Partnerships who now wish to marry. In my role as Minister for Social Protection, I have responsibility for the Civil Registration Act, dealing with the registration of life events such as marriages.

"Marriage requires three months' notice as standard. However, many LGBT couples are already in Civil Partnerships and may now wish to marry. Having already served three months' notice to become civil partners, and having demonstrated their commitment and love to one another, they should not have to serve another three months before getting married.

"These regulations remove the requirement to serve a further three months' notice period for those couples, as well as reducing the notification fee for those couples from €200 to €50. These are important steps towards providing a smoother transition for those couples when engaging with the Civil Registration Service."

From 16 November, same sex couples will have the following options available to them:

• Couples already in a Civil Partnership with each other and who wish to marry, can apply to marry in Ireland;

• Couples already in a Civil Partnership in Ireland can remain as they are if they wish;

• Couples who have already given notice of a Civil Partnership to the Registrar may now convert their notice to a notice of intention to marry on the same date and will not be required to serve a further 3 months' notice;

• Same sex marriages which have taken place abroad will be recognised in Ireland 

• Couples already in a Civil Partnership from another country can apply to marry in Ireland.

(MH/JP)