Press Releases:  15 April 2005  Same Sex Rights 

Same-sex couples deserve equal treatment under tax laws

The Green Party has described the Government’s intention to contest the legal action being brought by a same-sex couple as shameful. The couple, Katherine Zappone and Ann Louise Gilligan, are seeking to have the Revenue Commissioners recognise their Canadian marriage and treat them as a married couple under the tax Acts.

Green Party Justice spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD stated today that, “This is a human rights issue. I believe that this will cost the Government and the Irish taxpayers more in the long run if the case is defended.” 

“The Government should grant this couple the same rights as other married couples under Irish tax laws. They should also ensure that cohabitees are treated favourably under our taxation codes.”

“The Government must realise that the world has changed and they must modify our laws accordingly,” concluded Deputy Cuffe.
ENDS