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The Green Party has expressed its
disappointment that Dr Katherine Zappone and Dr Ann Louise Gilligan
were unsuccessful in their landmark High Court action to have their
Canadian-registered marriage recognised in Ireland and to be taxed
as a married couple. The Court dismissed their case on the basis
that there was no provision for same-sex marriage in the
Constitution.
Green Party Justice spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD said: "I am
very disappointed with today's ruling. It is unacceptable that the
constitutional rights that we in Ireland cherish, such as the right
to equality and to marriage, property and family rights, continue to
be denied to certain groups of people living in the State.
"The Court recognised that same sex couples can suffer great
difficulty and hardship in the event of the death or serious illness
of their partners. The Government needs to bring forward legislation
as a matter of urgency to guarantee equality under law to same sex
couples.
"I have no doubt that Drs Zappone and Gilligan will eventually
succeed in their legal battle, whether in Irish or European courts.
The Green Party supports them and wishes them well in their quest
for justice and equality," concluded Deputy Cuffe.
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