Marriage Equality warmly welcomes Dr Katherine Zappone's appointment to Seanad Éireann

23 May 2011

Katherine Zappone Image via ProgressiveChange.ie

Marriage Equality today warmly welcomed the appointment of Dr Katherine Zappone to Seanad Éireann. Dr Zappone and her partner Dr Ann Louise Gilligan have worked tirelessly to advance the cause of marriage equality for same sex couples, and are currently awaiting a date for their Supreme Court appeal to have their Canadian marriage recognised here in Ireland.

Moninne Griffith, Director of Marriage Equality, said "We're absolutely delighted with the appointment, and we wish her all the best in this important new part of her career as a progressive leader for social change. Katherine Zappone is an icon for the marriage equality movement here in Ireland and around the world. She and her and her partner Ann Louise are a huge part of the reason that we finally have Civil Partnership legislation in Ireland today and why people everywhere in Ireland know that we will not stop working until same sex couples and our families and children are treated as equal citizens. We're looking forward to having such a tireless campaigner for equal rights for lesbian and gay people as a representative and role model in Seanad Éireann."

Katherine Zappone is a prominent figure in the field of human rights and equality, both in her work with the Human Rights Commission, her work with communities in West Dublin and in her own personal fight for justice in the Supreme Court.

Marriage Equality had previously welcomed the new Government's commitment to establish a Constitutional Convention to consider the provision of marriage equality for same sex couples (amongst other issues), following the publication of the Programme for Government earlier this year.

Ms Griffith added "What we are seeing is the will of the Irish people being reflected in government actions. The most recent Red C poll showed 73% of Irish people were in favour of marriage rights for same sex couples. With its nomination of Dr Zappone to Seanad Eireann, the Government has clearly demonstrated its commitment to equality and human rights for all."