Marriage Equality welcomes establishment of Constitutional Convention

11 Jul 2012

Marriage Equality welcomed the introduction of a resolution in the Dáil today (10 July) to establish a Constitutional Convention, as promised in the Programme for Government. The Constitutional Convention will consider 8 matters, including the "provision for same-sex marriage".

"We are delighted the Government has begun the process of establishing the Constitutional Convention," said Marriage Equality Director Moninne Griffith. "Now is the time for marriage equality. In the past few weeks alone we've seen an increasing number of TDs come out in favour of civil marriage for same sex couples, joining the 73% of Irish people who believe that same sex couples, our families and our children deserve equality. This Convention is the opportunity for us as a country to take the next step as a modern, democratic country that has respect for diversity and that believes in equality."

The Constitutional Convention is our chance as a nation to further enshrine those essential Irish values of justice, equality, fairness, and respect in the Constitution. We look forward to working with the members of the Constitutional Convention to protect same sex couples and families, and to ensure that they are treated equally under the law by enshrining marriage equality in the Irish Constitution."

The Constitutional Convention will be made up of 100 people, including 33 political representatives, 66 members of the general public, and a chairperson - yet to be named. As the first two issues for consideration have already been decided, Marriage Equality supporters have been asked to contact their local TDs to request that the "provision for same-sex marriage" issue be dealt with as a priority issue.