Sweet smell of Equality

5 Jun 2013

Sweet smell of equality

Lush, the famed makers of fresh and ethically hand-made cosmetics, have joined forces with Marriage Equality and Dublin Pride to bring a sweet smell of success to the campaign for marriage equality. Lush are putting their fragrant stamp on the Marriage Equality Out to Your TD Campaign.

The proceeds from the sale of two of their products (less VAT), Charity Pot Hand & Body Lotion  (€16.85 for 240g) and Dorothy bubble bar (€3.50) will be split between Marriage Equality and Dublin Pride to help fund the continued campaign for equality for same sex couples and the Dublin Pride festival.

Throughout Pride Week (June 21^st – 30^th) Lush shops in the Republic of Ireland will act as information centres for the Marriage Equality campaign. Shoppers and supporters will be able to learn all about the importance of marriage for same-sex couples and their families, sign a petition confirming their support for it and asking our Taoiseach to call a referendum on the issue as soon as possible. There are over 160 differences between Civil Partnership and Civil Marriage which leave many same-sex couples and their children of in a vulnerable legal limbo.

In April of this year 79% of the Constitutional Convention voted to recommend that the constitution should be amended to allow for same-sex marriage. In the light of this Marriage Equality, Dublin Pride and Lush are asking supporters to visit their TDs to ensure the recommendations of the convention are acted on.

Director of Marriage Equality Monnine Griffith said:

“We're calling on our supporters to contact their TD and call for a quick and early resolution of the problems facing same-sex families by urgently implementing the recommendation of the Constitutional Convention for a Referendum on same-sex marriage.”

Chairperson of Dublin Pride Chris Proctor said:

“"We are extremely grateful to be in partnership with Lush and Marriage Equality this year on the 30th anniversary of Dublin Pride. A lot of LGBT organisations depend of the hard work and generosity of their volunteers, including Marriage Equality and Dublin Pride and we are delighted to be in partnership with a great organisation and to be associated with such a big brand like Lush Cosmetics"

ENDS

For further information or interviews call:

Monnine Griffith: on 085-1002477   or moninne@marriagequality.ie

For more information on the campaign for Marriage Equality visit www.marriagequality.ie

For more information on Pride visit www.dublinpride.ie

ABOUT LUSH

Lush have outlets on Henry Street and Grafton Street in Dublin and on Oliver Plunkett St in Cork. They believe in buying ingredients only from companies that do not commission tests on animals. They invent their own products and fragrances, and make them fresh by hand using little or no preservative or packaging, using only vegetarian ingredients.

To find your nearest Lush store and for LUSH Online contact 0044 1202 668 545, or visit www.lush.co.uk

Follow @LushLtd on Twitter and tweet your support #marriagequality

About Marriage Equality:

Marriage Equality is a national not for profit organisation working for equality for same sex couples, families and their children through access to civil marriage. Marriage Equality was launched in February 2008. It grew from the KAL Advocacy Initiative: a group set up to support the case to recognise the Canadian marriage of two Irish citizens - Drs Katherine Zappone and Ann Louise Gilligan.

With supporters throughout Ireland, the organisation has had significant impact on public and political opinion in relation to the issue, through a combination of media and communications, research and policy, advocacy and lobbying work. Public support for marriage equality has grown from 56% in 2008 to 74% in 2012.

For more information please visit our website www.marriagequality.ie