Press release just received…

Greens praise Govt pledge on same sex unions

– Legislation to be introduced by March 2008

The Green Party’s Justice spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD has welcomed the Government’s commitment to publish legislation by March 2008 that will give legal recognition to same sex unions. The development will extend to cohabiting gay couples, who register their relationship with a new agency, the same rights under the law as heterosexual couples.

Deputy Cuffe said: “This is a major step forward in Irish equality legislation. For the first time, the Irish Government has pledged to extend to same sex unions the same legal protection as that enjoyed by heterosexual couples. The ‘heads of bill’ – the first step in the legislative process – will be published by March 2008, which is a specific and significant commitment. The Government, with this step, has taken a major step forward in the recognition of equality and diversity in our society.

“I praise the Labour Party for bringing forward their private members motion on civil partnership. The Green Party’s TDs will be voting against the proposal as the new legislation will better address the many legal complexities involved in this issue,” concluded Deputy Cuffe.

More comment later – am watching the debate live on the web at the moment. But first reaction – An agency – A fucking AGENCY???

Updates to this post can be found here