MarriagEquality - Press Releases - Full Text

Ireland tied for 11th in Europe for rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:09:00 +0100

To mark 2012's International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, Marriage Equality has welcomed the publication of new research by the International Lesbian and Gay Association of Europe (ILGA-Europe). The Rainbow Europe Map and Index rates each European country's laws and administrative practices according to 24 categories including relationship recognition and parenting rights of same sex couples, and ranks countries on a scale between 30 (highest - full legal equality) and -12 (lowest - gross violations of human rights for LGBT people).

Last year Ireland was ranked 16th, with only 5 points, behind countries such as Croatia, Finland and Hungary. This year Ireland scored 9 points, and tied for 11th place with the Czech Republic, Denmark, Slovakia and Slovenia. Topping the poll was the UK, with 21 points, followed by Germany and Spain.

Speaking before the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality tomorrow to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, Marriage Equality Moninne Griffith will highlight the continued, urgent need for equality for same-sex couples, their families and their children: "73% of Irish people do not want to deny LGBT people the right to marry. They know that denying friends and family members the freedom to marry is wrong, is not fair and has no place in today's Ireland. This reflects Ireland today - our capacity, our understanding, our empathy."

Ms Griffith drew a comparison between the marriage ban for same-sex couples in Ireland, and the presence of homophobia and transphobia in the country. Drawing on research from the American Psychologist published in 2006, she said: "Denying same-sex couples the label of marriage - even if they receive all the other rights and privileges conferred by marriage - arguably devalues and delegitimises these relationships. It conveys a societal judgment that committed intimate relationships with people of the same sex are inferior to heterosexual relationships, and that the participants in a same sex relationship are less deserving of society's recognition than heterosexual couples."

Marriage Equality has called on the Government to convene the Constitutional Convention without delay, to begin to address the possibility of removing the marriage ban for same sex couples in Ireland.

Download the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map and Index 2012 (PDF)

Marriage Equality welcomes President Barack Obama’s support of marriage for same sex couples

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:57:00 +0100

In an interview yesterday with ABC News, US President Barack Obama announced his support for equal marriage rights for same sex couples. The President, who until yesterday had said only that his views on the issue were "evolving", had previously instructed lawyers for the State to drop their defence of the so called 'Defense of Marriage' Act, which is a legal barrier to marriage equality at a federal level in the U.S.

"We are delighted to hear President Obama personally come out in support of marriage equality for same sex couples in the United States," said Moninne Griffith, Director of Marriage Equality. "Yesterday's announcement is wonderful news for couples across the US who want the freedom to choose to marry the person they love, and have their relationships recognised and protected on an equal footing to heterosexual couples."

"We have seen very strong levels of support for marriage equality in Ireland in the past few months," added Ms Griffith. "Popular support stands at 73%, and all political parties have committed themselves to marriage equality in some shape or form, including the Government's promise to look at the provision of same sex marriage in the upcoming Constitutional Convention. We are therefore calling on our Taoiseach Enda Kenny to join world leaders such as Obama, UK Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande to express his support for marriage equality. Party leaders such as Micheál Martin, Eamon Gilmore and Gerry Adams are all on record with their support. We are looking for political leadership from our Taoiseach on this issue of huge social significance to make sure the marriage ban for same sex couples is removed, and the Government commits itself to equality for same sex couples, our families and our children."

To watch President Obama's interview with ABC News, please click here.

Marriage Equality welcomes new Fine Gael LGBT group

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:56:00 +0100

On Saturday Marriage Equality welcomed the inaugural meeting of Fine Gael LGBT - "an inclusive group for party members who share a common goal of promoting full equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in our party, in our country and in our world."

Speaking from the meeting at Grand Canal Dock on Saturday evening, Marriage Equality Director Moninne Griffith said: "We are delighted to see such a strong commitment to equality from Fine Gael, and their commitment to making their party a welcoming, safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender party members. Today's meeting sends a strong message to young people who may be interested in joining political life that Fine Gael is a party committed to equality."

The meeting also featured Deputy Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central) sharing his personal story and "coming out" as an openly gay TD. He joins Ireland's two other openly gay TDs, Deputies John Lyons (Labour - Dublin North-West) and Dominic Hannigan (Labour - Meath East) as well as Senators David Norris and Katherine Zappone. Deputy Buttimer's statement was warmly welcomed by all present at the launch.

"Deputy Buttimer has been - and continues to be - a great ally to Marriage Equality, and a strong advocate for our cause. We're delighted he has chosen to be so open about his own sexuality - it sends a very positive message to people who may feel they have to hide their sexuality, especially young people. Having openly gay political figures also helps to dispel myths and misconceptions about gay people which can otherwise contribute to bullying and violence against LGBT people," said Ms. Griffith. "Fine Gael has committed itself to equality for LGBT people - not only in today's inaugural meeting of Fine Gael LGBT, but in their commitment at their Ard Fheis last month to prioritise the issue of marriage equality in the upcoming Constitutional Convention. We are looking forward to working closely with the government in the coming months to achieve equality for same-sex couples, our families and our children. We hope that in the near future Ireland will be able to count itself among countries such as Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal by legalising marriage equality for same-sex couples, and legislating for equality for our families and our children."

Marriage Equality welcomes USI Congress commitment to equality for same sex couples

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:06:00 +0100

Marriage Equality have welcomed news that the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) at last weekend's USI Congress have voted "to vehemently campaign on the full equalisation of rights regardless of sexual orientation, for full and equal marriage rights, full and equal adoption rights and for this union to recognise lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members as full and equal members of society in recognition of the rights laid out above." The USI is the sole national representative body for students in Ireland, representing over 250,000 students in over 40 colleges across the country. The motion was proposed by UCD Students' Union, and was passed unanimously by the USI Congress.

"We are delighted to have the strong support of the USI behind the campaign for equality for same sex couples, our families and our children," said Moninne Griffith, Director of Marriage Equality. "We have a growing political consensus in favour of removing the marriage ban, with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael having recently passed motions on the issue of marriage equality at their Ard Fheiseanna. We also have a strong majority - 73% - of people who believe that denying someone the right to marry the person they love is wrong. The upcoming Constitutional Convention will make recommendations to Government in relation to introduction of marriage equality for same sex couples in Ireland, so these next few months are critical for our campaign. We are delighted that USI will be campaigning with us."

"We are also delighted that USI have pledged their support for adoption by same sex couples," continued Ms Griffith. "As recently as yesterday, the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald acknowledged that Civil Partnership does not protect children of same sex couples and promised to look at ways to address the issues faced by children in same sex families. We met the Minister at the recent Fine Gael Ard Fheis, and we are delighted that she is open to positive reforms to protect our children. Initial census figures released in late March found over 4000 cohabiting same sex couples, including 230 same sex couples with children, though these figures are thought to be hugely under-representative. None of these children are protected under the current system, and this could be easily remedied by removing the marriage ban for same sex couples."

Incoming USI Equality Officer Laura Harmon highlighted the importance of equality to third level students around Ireland: "This is something the Union of Students in Ireland will be pushing next year. Students feel very strongly about this issue and there is a clear hunger from both LGBT and non-LGBT students to get involved in campaigning for LGBT rights. It is fantastic that there is such a clear mandate from the membership for USI to campaign for marriage equality and adoption rights for same-sex couples."

The marriage ban for same sex couples in Ireland currently affects up to 10% of the population. With over 160 differences between civil partnership and civil marriage, these inequalities are having a real impact on same sex couples, our families and our children. Marriage Equality is looking forward to fully engaging with the Constitutional Convention, and has urged supporters to contact their elected representatives to ensure that the voices of those affected by the marriage ban - gay and lesbian couples, their families and children - are heard during the process.

Full Text of the Motion proposed by UCD Students' Union:

Congress notes with grave concern:
That despite our claims to be a progressive nation we do not recognise the rights of LGBT members of the community as being fully and unequivocally equal to those of heterosexual orientation.

Congress further notes:
The failure to recognise equality in our legislation undeniably leads to a failure to see people as equals in our classrooms, our lecture theatres, our campuses and our workplaces.

Congress believes:
This failure to lead both directly and indirectly to a lesser standard of living for members of the LGBT community. That it leads to the denial of rights to children raised by same sex parents and to gross negligence on the part of the state by indirectly condoning bullying and torment for people who identify as LGBT.

Congress therefore mandates:
The President, the Vice-President for Campaigns and the Vice-President for Equality & Citizenship to vehemently campaign on the full equalisation of rights regardless of sexual orientation, for full and equal marriage rights, full and equal adoption rights and for this union to recognise LGBT members as full and equal members of society in recognition of the rights laid out above.

We've moved!

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:18:00 +0100

Please update your contact details for us - we've moved!

Our new address is:

Marriage Equality
4th Floor
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Dublin 1

Fine Gael votes to prioritise marriage equality in the Constitutional Convention

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 17:28:00 +0100

Marriage Equality have welcomed news that Fine Gael delegates at this weekend's Ard Fheis have voted in favour of ensuring that the upcoming Constitutional Convention "prioritises an analysis of the proposals for same-sex marriage in Ireland." The motion was put forward by Mark O'Meara of Young Fine Gael. Speeches in favour of the motion were given by Catherine Byrne, TD for Dublin South Central, and Alan Shatter, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence.

"We are delighted that Fine Gael delegates have voted to prioritise marriage equality in the Constitutional Convention," said Marriage Equality Director Moninne Griffith, speaking from the Fine Gael Ard Fheis. "73% of Irish people recently said they are in favour of marriage equality being enshrined in the Constitution - all we need now is for the legislation to catch up to public opinion. We will be engaging in debate with the members of the Convention, and other stakeholders, as to how marriage equality can be introduced as quickly as possible."

The Government recently published its proposals for the Constitutional Convention, which will be made up of 66 members of the general public, 33 Oireachtas members and parliamentarians from Northern Ireland, and one chairperson. Marriage Equality is committed to fully engaging with the Constitutional Convention, and has urged supporters to contact their elected representatives to ensure that the voices of those affected by the marriage ban - gay and lesbian couples, their families and children - are heard during the process.

The marriage ban in Ireland currently affects up to 10% of the population in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Initial census figures released on Thursday found over 4000 cohabiting same sex couples, including 230 same sex couples with children, though these figures are thought to be under-representative. With over 160 differences between civil partnership and civil marriage, these inequalities are having a real impact on same sex couples, our families and our children. The Constitutional Convention presents an important opportunity to protect these 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 is our chance to set out our values as Irish people, and to ensure that they are enshrined in the Constitution. This is our chance to show that we believe in equality, fairness, doing the right thing, and respect for difference and diversity, and to have these values protected in the Constitution," added Ms Griffith. "73% of the population in favour of marriage rights for same sex couples - that is a strong majority of people who believe that denying someone the right to marry the person they love is wrong. With FG members now calling on Government to make marriage equality a priority issue, these next few months will be critical for our campaign, as we move closer to achieving equality for same-sex couples, our families and our children. We're looking forward to the day - hopefully in the near future - when Ireland joins countries such as Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal in legalising marriage equality for same-sex couples, our families and our children."

Slovenians reject gay adoption law in referendum

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:10:00 +0100

Slovenians rejected in a national referendum on Sunday a new family law that included a highly contested clause that would allow same-sex couples to adopt children in some cases.

The law drafted by Slovenia's former center-left government -- and opposed by conservatives close to the Catholic Church -- would have allowed gay couples to adopt the biological children of their partners. It did not allow the adoption of children from a third party.

With 98 percent of the vote counted, about 55 percent of those who took part in the referendum rejected the law, while about 45 supported it, the state referendum commission said. Turnout was low, about 26 percent.

The result meant that the new family law will not be applied and a new one cannot be drafted within a year.

Unlike its Balkan neighbors, Serbia and Croatia -- where gays often face verbal and physical abuse -- the small Alpine nation and European Union member is relatively tolerant of homosexuality. In 2006, Slovenia allowed official registration of same-sex relationships.

A conservative children rights group collected 42,000 signatures by February to challenge the law in the referendum. It argued that the law is against traditional family values and that gay couples should not be allowed any adoption rights.

Roman Catholic, Serbian Orthodox and Muslim communities in Slovenia also jointly signed a petition before the referendum, asking Slovenes to reject the law.

"Marriage and family are of utmost importance for the development of the human person and society," the petition said. "For this reason, we all have an obligation to protect the values of marriage and of family as a community of a husband and a wife, and children."

Those who argued in favor of the new law said the gay adoption clause has been unfairly thrust into the public focus in the months leading to the referendum, overshadowing other provisions that further protect children rights in general.

_{(via The Associated Press)}

Finland: Marriage equality bill divides Parliament

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:33:00 +0100

Initiative would also give same-sex couples full adoption rights

The Finnish Parliament held a preliminary debate on Wednesday on a legislative initiative for a law that would give equal marriage rights to same-sex couples. The initiative will now go before the Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee, where its passage is uncertain.

Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb (Nat. Coalition Party), the first signatory of the initiative, defended it passionately in the debate. "This initiative is aimed at dismantling a system that causes inequality, in which couple relationships are divided into A and B categories", Stubb said. "There is no reason not to enact a legislative change that has no negative effects and does not take anything away from anyone else."

Finns Party MP James Hirvisaari asked why the present system of registered civil unions was not enough for gay couples. "Homo-marriage deeply hurts the feelings of citizens, or at least those of a very large proportion of the people, by desecrating a sacred institution between a man and a woman", Hirvisaari said.

The proposed change would apply primarily to civil marriages; religious groups would be free to decide whether or not to perform marriage ceremonies for same sex couples. The initiative would also allow same sex couples to adopt children. Currently same-sex couples are allowed "internal adoption" within a family - that is, one of the members of such a relationship has the possibility of becoming a legal parent of the biological child of his or her partner. "By offering the possibility for marriage also to couples who are of the same gender, society shows that these relationships are also worthy of recognition for the same reasons as marriages between men and women", the signatories point out.

After initial plenary debate the initiative will move on to the Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee. "I hope that sense and respect for equality will win out in the Legal Affairs committee, and that the full Parliament will get a chance to pass equal marriage this year", said Green MP Anni Sinnemäki. "If this initiative is buried anonymously in the committee, it is a clear statement", said Lasse Männistö (Nat. Coalition Party). "It would indicate that there was not enough courage to bring the matter to a vote, and an anonymous decision not to deal with it would better serve the wishes of a majority of MPs. Only through a vote will people get to know what their representatives feel", Männistö continued.

Unanimously behind the initiative are the MPs of the Green League's parliamentary group, the Left Alliance, as well as the two-member Left Group. Antti Kaikkonen was the only Centre Party MP to back the initiative, and there were no signatories from the Christian League or the Finns Party.

The Legal Affairs Committee will decide whether or not the bill will be brought before the full Parliament. The committee's chairwoman Anne Holmlund (Nat. Coalition Party) does not expect that to happen, nor does she feel that it should. She says that the issue is complicated, it has not been preceded by a wider debate in society, and it is not included in the government's policy programme. A rule of thumb is that legislative initiatives are brought forward for debate if more than 100 MPs sign it.

The marriage equality initiative has only 76 signatories among all MPs, and only six of the 17 members of the Legal Affairs Committee have signed it. If a legislative initiative is not moved forward for debate, it remains dormant and ready for debate in case the government puts forward a proposal on the matter.

_{(via Helsingin Sanomat)}

Denmark: Gay marriage legislation passed by summer says PM

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:07:00 +0100

Government gives green light to gay church weddings - but priests have the final say

Gay couples can look forward to a church wedding this summer.

At her weekly press conference, Tuesday, Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt said the government is putting the finishing touches to a bill that will come into force on June 15th, allowing homosexuals and lesbians to walk down the aisle in the church of their choice - if they can find a priest who's willing to conduct the ceremony.

"It will always be up to the individual priest as to whether he or she is prepared to bless gay couples but this legislation provides homosexuals with the same rights as heterosexuals," said the PM.

A number of priests have already voiced their displeasure at the prospect of the church hosting gay weddings, but Ms Thorning Schmidt said it's been a 'hard, but good' debate and the government's managed to come up with a solution that respects both points of view.

"It's an important message for a country such as Denmark to send - we respect every citizen's choice but we also respect priests' choice too," she said.

_{(Via Berlingske.dk)}

Marriage Equality welcomes Fianna Fáil commitment to equality for same-sex couples

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 13:48:00 +0100

Marriage Equality have welcomed news that Fianna Fáil delegates at this weekend's Ard Fheis have voted in favour of giving equal marriage rights to all people, regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, as well as backing a motion calling for same-sex couples to be given full adoption rights as heterosexual couples.

"The importance of today's vote cannot be overstated," said Marriage Equality Director Moninne Griffith. "We are delighted that Fianna Fáil delegates agree with the majority of Irish people who support marriage equality, and voted in favour of equal rights for same-sex couples, our families and our children."

Delegates at the Ard Fheis supported both motions, reportedly despite Fianna Fáil's Justice Spokesperson Dara Calleary's recommendation that the issues be left under the remit of the Government's upcoming Constitutional Convention. Marriage Equality is committed to fully engaging with the Constitutional Convention, and has urged supporters to contact their elected representatives to ensure that the voices of those affected by the marriage ban - gay and lesbian couples, their families and children - are heard during the process.

"We look forward to having the support of Fianna Fáil during these next few critical months for the marriage equality campaign. We will be engaging in debate with the members of the Convention, and other stakeholders, as to how marriage equality can be introduced as quickly as possible," added Ms Griffith. "With 73% of the population in favour of marriage rights for same sex couples, and now with today's pledged support of Fianna Fáil delegates, Ireland could soon be joining countries such as Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal in legalising marriage equality for same-sex couples, our families and our children."

US: Same-sex marriage bill approved by Maryland Senate

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:43:00 +0100

_{(Via the Huffington Post)}

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Gay marriage is all but legalized in Maryland after the legislature gave its final OK Thursday to the law that's being sent to Gov. Martin O'Malley, who said he expects to sign it sometime this week.

The state Senate voted 25-22 for the law. The vote comes less than a week after the House of Delegates barely passed themeasure.

Maryland will become the eighth state to allow gay marriage when O'Malley - who sponsored the bill - signs the legislation. The Democrat made the measure a priority this session after it stalled last year.

"This issue has taken a lot of energy, as well it should, and I'm very proud of the House of Delegates and also the Senate for resolving this issue on the side of human dignity, and I look forward to signing the bill," O'Malley said in a brief interview after the Senate vote.

Opponents, though, have vowed to bring the measure to referendum in November. They will need to gather at least 55,726 valid signatures of Maryland voters to put it on the ballot and can begin collecting names now that the bill has passed both chambers.
Some churches and clergy members have spoken out against the bill, saying it threatens religious freedoms and violates their tradition of defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

"The enormous public outcry that this legislation has generated - voiced by Marylanders that span political, racial, social and religious backgrounds - demonstrates a clear need to take this issue to a vote of the people," Maryland Catholic Conference spokeswoman Kathy Dempsey said in a statement. "Every time this issue has been brought to a statewide vote, the people have upheld traditional marriage."

Leaders at the Human Rights Campaign, a group that joined a coalition of organizations to advocate for the bill, said they expect opponents will gather the required number of signatures.

"There remains a lot of work to do between now and November to make marriage equality a reality in Maryland," Joe Solmonese, HRC president said in a statement released Thursday. "Along with coalition partners, we look forward to educating and engaging voters about what this bill does: It strengthens all Maryland families and protects religious liberty."

Senators rejected some amendments to the legislation Thursday. Proponents warned that amending the bill could kill it because gathering enough support for altered legislation in the House would be difficult.

Last year senators passed a similar measure by 25-21, but the bill died in the House after delegates rescinded their initial support citing concerns that it could violate religious liberties of churches and business owners who do not support same-sex unions.

Sen. Allan Kittleman, the only Senate Republican to vote in favor of the legislation, said he is proud of his decision and not concerned about political consequences down the road.

"You don't worry about politics when you're dealing with the civil rights issue of your generation," said Kittleman, R-Howard, the son of the late Sen. Robert Kittleman, who was known for civil rights advocacy.

Christy and Marie Neff, who married in Washington, D.C., where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, stood outside the Senate chamber Thursday evening as crowds surrounded O'Malley and other key supporters.

The couple, who lives in Annapolis, has lobbied lawmakers to support the bill in recent years.

"This is our victory and we're going to savor this because you can only really jump one hurdle at a time," Christy Neff said. "So we're going to savor this and then if they bring it to referendum, we'll match that effort with the same sort of effort we did today."

Queensland's first civil unions registered

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:23:00 +0100

_{(Via The Brisbane Times)}

Same sex couples lined up outside the Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages to be the first to register their civil partnerships with the Queensland Government this morning.

It was history in the making, according to safe sex campaign "Rip & Roll" models and partners Michael O'Brien and Anthony Gillespie.

"This has been a long time coming and is a very firm step in the right direction for full equality," Mr O'Brien said.

"I think it shows that we're [Queenslanders] progressive and that we're moving forward and that we are really showing the rest of Australia that we're ready for change."

Couple of eight years Eamonn Keane and Mark Cincotta said they had been planning the day for a long time.

"This morning it was like, 'this is it, we're going to do it'," Mr Cincotta said.

"It's fair that we have the same rights as everybody else, it's not that it's just for the fun of being named together, but it's a civil responsibility as well - we do pay our taxes."

Q News editor and civil union activist Ray Mackereth said it was an emotional day.

"These laws are just fabulous for making sure that Queensland's more equal for everyone," he said.

"It's something that I cried out for when it was passed in Parliament."

Public servant Rose Njoroge was picking up paperwork to register her partnership because her same-sex marriage in Connecticut was not recognised in Queensland.

"What we would really like to push for is for the marriage legislation to be changed so that both gay men, lesbian women and straight couples can marry, so that my marriage is as valid as anybody else's marriage," she said.

Equal rights activist Phil Browne said it showed "love conquers all".

"It's very, very exciting and just the fact that people are having full legal recognition carries a lot of weight, not only for the couples involved but also for their families, friends and extended social networks," he said.

Registration of a civil partnership provides couples with proof of the existence of their relationship, for example for hospital visitation rights, superannuation, tax and government welfare payments.

New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory have similar laws that recognise civil partnerships.

Mr O'Brien said he and his partner were treating the registration of their civil union as "low key".

"We'll get married when we can get married and this is just a first step along the way," he said.

A standard ten day cooling off period follows registration, so couples who registered today will have formal recognition of their civil partnership on March 5.

Marriage Equality welcomes 73% public support for same-sex marriages in the Constitution

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:53:00 +0100

Marriage Equality today welcomed the results of a new Red C poll which indicated that 73% of voters believe same-sex marriages should be allowed in the Constitution. The survey follows yesterday's news that the Government will soon issue draft proposals for the make-up of the Constitutional Convention pledged in the Programme for Government last year. The Convention will consider, among other issues, the provision of marriage equality for same-sex couples.

"The results of today's Red C poll are vitally important," said Marriage Equality Director Moninne Griffith. "It shows that not only are Irish people in favour of marriage equality, but they are also in favour of its inclusion in our Constitution. That is a huge step forward in our work to achieve equality for same-sex couples and families all over Ireland."

"We will be engaging fully with the Constitutional Convention and we look forward to engaging in debate with the members of the Convention, and other stakeholders, as to how marriage equality can be introduced as quickly as possible," added Ms Griffith. "With 73% of the population in favour of allowing marriage equality in the Constitution, the Irish people are clearly ready for marriage equality."

Marriage Equality welcomes progress on Constitutional Convention

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0100

Marriage Equality today welcomed reports in the media that the Cabinet will soon issue draft proposals for the make-up of the Constitutional Convention pledged in the Programme for Government last year. The Convention will consider, among other issues, the provision of marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Marriage Equality's Moninne Griffith stated that the campaign group would fully engage with the Constitutional Convention which will report within 12 months on the legislative and/or constitutional options to provide for marriage equality for same sex couples. The make up of the Convention has yet to be finalised, but it is expected to include lawyers, politicians and members of the public.

Ms Griffith went on to urge the Government and the members of the Constitutional Convention to take steps to ensure that the voices of those affected by the marriage ban - including same sex couples and their children - are heard during the Convention. Marriage Equality also encouraged participants to take public opinion into account when considering the issue of equality for same sex couples.

"We look forward to engaging in debate with the members of the Convention, and other stakeholders, as to how marriage equality can be introduced as quickly as possible. With 73% of the population in favour of marriage rights for same sex couples, the Irish people are clearly ready for marriage equality."

View the media reports about the Constitutional Convention

Proposals on constitutional changes to be issued within days

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:57:00 +0100

_{(via the Irish Times)}

THE CABINET is about to issue draft proposals for the make-up constitutional convention pledged in the programme for government last year.

A Government spokesman said last night that the establishment of the convention, covering constitutional reform, was "agreed in principle" by Ministers yesterday but that the Cabinet saw Opposition support as critical to its success.

Consultation would be sought with the Opposition and the "architecture" of the convention would be finalised after that.

The draft proposals are to be published "before the end of this week or early next week", the spokesman added. No meetings have been arranged with the Opposition yet. The spokesman said that the Taoiseach had stated that the proposed abolition of Seanad Éireann would not come under the convention's remit.

Mr Kenny is taking the lead in establishing the convention with his department and in co-operation with Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore.

When the Fine Gael-Labour Coalition was established last March, the parties undertook to "establish a constitutional convention to consider comprehensive constitutional reform" which would report within 12 months.

The convention would consider such issues as changes in the Dáil electoral system; reducing the presidential term from seven to five years; same-sex marriage; amending the clause on women in the home; reducing the voting age to 17; letting emigrants vote in presidential elections.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin said after the defeat of the Abbeylara amendment on parliamentary inquiries that the convention could help to rebuild trust among the public towards politicians.

"A key priority is to ensure that the process is highly inclusive and achieves meaningful participation by ordinary members of the public; is a participative, informed, accessible and open public forum; and has a direct and meaningful involvement of the political parties represented in Dáil Éireann. In this context, the citizens' assembly model is an approach that is being carefully examined."

Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan has also said a citizens' assembly drawn from the electoral register would be part of the constitutional convention. The proposal originally set out by the Labour Party in opposition was for 30 lawyers and constitutional experts; 30 members of the public chosen at random; and 30 active politicians who would not necessarily be members of the Oireachtas. But the programme for government did not specify any particular structure.

In the general election, Fine Gael advocated a constitution day where a series of amendments would be put to the electorate.