The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has called on legislators to ensure that the Civil Partnership Bill passes smoothly through the Oireachtas.

Speaking shortly after the Bill began its second stage in the Dáil this evening (3 December 2009), ICCL Director Mr Mark Kelly said:

“Same sex couples have been waiting far too long for the law to recognize their rights.  The Civil Partnership Bill is a significant step in the right direction, and the Government is to be commended for bringing it forward this evening.  The ICCL trusts that principled legislators in both houses will ensure that it passes smoothly through the Oireachtas.”

“Same sex couples have a right to be treated equally, and this Bill goes some considerable way towards recognizing that right.  However, equality is a binary state – either you are equal or you are not, and only the introduction of civil marriage for same sex couples will achieve full equality of status with opposite sex couples.  The ICCL believes that the onus is on any TD or Senator who still believes that it is acceptable to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation to explain why their outdated prejudices should be reflected in the law” Mr Kelly added.

ENDS.

For more information, please contact:

Walter Jayawardene
Campaigns & Communications Officer
Irish Council for Civil Liberties
9-13 Blackhall Place
Dublin 7
Ireland

Tel. + 353 1 799 4503
Mob: +353 87 9981574   
Fax. + 353 1 799 4512

 E-mail walter.jayawardene@iccl.ie
Web     www.iccl.ie