Press Release in from Green Party – note the mention of the possiblity of a freedom of concience amendment.

Cuffe welcomes introduction of Civil Partnership Bill to Dáil

-Bill will be introduced next Thursday
The Green Party has welcomed the news that the Civil Partnership Bill is to be introduced to the Dáil next week. Green Party Justice spokesperson Ciaran Cuffe TD said the Bill will be introduced by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform next Thursday and rejected calls for a religious ‘freedom of conscience’ opt-out amendment to be included.

Deputy Cuffe said: “I’m pleased to see the Government taking this important next step in creating legislative rights and responsibilities for loving gay and lesbian couples, for whom Civil Partnerships will be of huge practical benefit.

“The Bill is a key legislative priority for the Greens in Government and I look forward to its speedy passage and cross party support.

“I’m aware of calls for a ‘freedom of conscience’ amendment to be stitched into the legislation to give people a religious ‘opt-out’ in providing everyday goods and services to gay couples. Such an amendment is not the way to go. It would undermine much of our existing equality legislation and would have significant unintended consequences.�