10,000 Gay Irish Citizens denied right to marry

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release

Wednesday May 03, 2006 13:46

by Union of Students in Ireland - Union of Students in Ireland

Grattan Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

353 1 435-3400

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has welcomed the publication of a new study revealing the number of gays and lesbians who have chosen to marry in countries that uphold marriage equality.

10,000 GAY IRISH CITIZENS DENIED RIGHT TO MARRY

2 May 2006

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has welcomed the publication of a new study revealing the number of gays and lesbians who have chosen to marry in countries that uphold marriage equality.

Marriage equality is enshrined in the laws of the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada and the US state of Massachusetts, where the constitution forbids the creation of second-class citizens.

In the first 20 months after equality was legalised in Massachusetts, 14,682 residents wed a partner of the same sex. Ireland’s population is one-third smaller than Massachusetts’ – suggesting that the number of Irish citizens who would marry in Ireland if they weren’t banned from doing so could exceed 10,000.

USI gay and lesbian spokesperson Steven Conlon said: “It is possible that over 10,000 gay Irish citizens would take advantage of a change in the law to get married by 2008. The Institute for Marriage and Public Policy found that in Massachusetts, which is very similar to Ireland but with a larger population (6 million), almost 15,000 residents married a partner of the same sex during the first 20 months of marriage equality.

“The right to marry the person one chooses is a civil right, but a civil right that is being denied to literally thousands or Irish citizens. By refusing to legislate for marriage equality, the Irish Government is creating a category of second-class citizens.

“So long as the Government of Ireland refuses to join the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada and Massachusetts in legislating for marriage equality, the Union of Students in Ireland will oppose and condemn it for denying civil rights to so many. History will judge the Irish people on how well we lead by moral example, so we must not be afraid to stand alongside the countries standing up for marriage equality.”

Ends

For more information please contact:

Steven Conlon, USI LGBT Rights Officer 086 8194900

Tony McDonnell, USI President 086 8374104

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Comments (4 of 4)

USI

by Keith

Thu May 04, 2006 11:50

The USI doesn't speak for all students. I'm glad we don't allow same sex marraiges and adoptions as I believe it is unfair to the children involved.

What exactly?

by Rachel

Thu May 04, 2006 19:35

Keith... what exactly is it unfair to get the children involved in? Are you arguing that the gay rights movement is trying to use children for their own political gain or are you saying you don't think it's fair to involve the children in homosexuality? Either way I disagree with you, but I was hoping you could clarify.

The simplest & most progressive marriage law has celebrated its 1st anniversary.

by check

Thu May 25, 2006 21:28

in 2005, the Spanish state adopted a change to the law earlier passed by the Catalan regional government to add the simple line "regardless of gender" to the laws on marriage.
It didn't call for new laws, or categorisation of "same sex" couples, and allowed for all those who wish to register their relationship with the state to do so, regardless of gender. It is odd that such a simple change to the law has escaped the Irish gay marriage lobby's radar. They appear to be hoping that the ministry of justice in Ireland under Michael Mc Dowell will offer them a version of the CACS law in France. Strange since those who campaigned for the introduction of the French law now want the French congress to approve a new version closer to the Spanish "full equality".
Since the law change, some such homosexual couples have moved to adopt children, in some cases these were the children of one partner from a previous hetrosexual type relationship, but no alone. The Catholic church has never accepted such progressive rights or recognition of diversity, oddly since technically it doesn't recognise or accept "civil registry" marriage between hetrosexual couples either. Yesterday the Spanish state launched a comission to incorporate explanations of homosexual preference into the sexual educational components of the obligatory national sylabus which first broaches the subject of reproduction at average age of 12. Those in favour of such moves hope that this will assist the building of a diverse society without prejudice based on gender or sexual orientation and also reduce the numbers of teenagers and older who appear to "make the wrong choices" in regards to their self-development. They also point out that the fostering of stable relationships between those who love each other will reduce the negative psychological and social effects of marginalisation which often manifest themselves in promiscuity or unfulfilled exploitative lifestyles. Those who are against such moves prefer the model established in the 20th century throughout Europe which owes more to theological concepts of morality and Christian prejudice than enlightement, and seem to prefer the old model of society where no-one knew anything and you could always talk to a friendly priest / christian brother / nun / uncle or aunt about it, in secret.... or go down a farm and look at animals. They also argue that the Spanish left was attempting to return to the 2nd Republican attempts at "equal gender politics" and copperfastening voter support amongst 10% to 15% of the electorate. Of course they Spanish right counts on the RC voters. So it sort of works out.

who do Irish gay & lesbians vote for?
Is it the PD's?
Are they the "Irish pro-gay & lesbian party" ?

Mr Mc Dowell has been today subjected to hecklers and calls of "Pervert"

by CHECK - (thats 2 checks in 24 hours)

Fri May 26, 2006 15:46

The group prefented him from speaking at a conference on the legal status of cohabiting and same sex couples organised by the Equality Authority and the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network for ten minutes accusing of him of wanting to "hand children over to perverts".
http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0526/mcdowellm.html

Is there a need for a national gender political debate? & lots of new legislation on sexuality?

Minister accused of being a pervert & stopped from speaking

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10,000 Gay Irish Citizens denied right to marry

Comments (4 of 4)