Never wanting to be seen as old-fashioned, the Irish government has passed a bill recognising civil partnerships between same-sex couples. The Civil Partnership and Cohabitation Bill passed without a vote. The legislation will now go to be ratified by the Seanad, the upper chamber. The bill was opposed by Catholic bishops, who found time in between allegations of paedophilia to make their voices heard; a protest was held outside.
Whatever next?
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said it was "one of the most important human rights pieces of legislation the House had dealt with". "Our society has changed substantially in recent decades,'' he said. "While marriage is more popular than ever [sic], other forms of relationships have become increasingly common; they create some difficulties in the legal system and require in our law a measure of recognition and of protection." Yes, I think it must have been that bit which the Catholic bishops found so hard to swallow. Well, there's always a first.
The bill was supported by all parties in the Dail, although individual politicians have criticised the legislation - they'll be the ones with CCTV on their shoulders. It is expected to become law in the autumn, 17 years after homosexuality was fully decriminalised in the Irish Republic. Hasn't it just flown by?
BBC News et al
BBC News et al
