Press Release: Justice 20 February 2007

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Civil Unions Bill welcome but should go further
 

 
The Green Party has said it will be support the Labour Party's private members bill giving full legal recognition to same-sex unions, which is to be debated in the Dáil this evening, but says the bill should have gone further and provided for same-sex marriage.

Green Party Justice spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD said today: "I commend the Labour Party for bringing their Civil Unions Bill to the Dáil for debate. I and my Green Party colleagues will be supporting this bill during private members time this evening.

"However, the Green Party would like to see legislation that would go further and permit the removal of all gender specific terms from current legislation and regulations governing the granting of marriages. This would allow same-sex couples enjoy the equivalent rights and responsibilities of marriage afforded to heterosexual couples, should they so choose.

"The Green Party launched 'Valuing Families - A Policy on Marriage and Partnership Rights' in Autumn 2006. This ground-breaking policy values the vital role that marriage plays in our society, but also recognises that many aspects of this institution have changed since our Constitution was adopted in 1937. We believe it is necessary to update legislation to provide for the contemporary times we live in and as a Party we are strongly committed to providing full equality for gay and lesbian citizens."

Click here to read 'Valuing Families - A Policy on Marriage and Partnership Rights'.