The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has welcomed the Dáil debate on the Civil Unions Bill, which seeks to improve the rights of same sex couples.
Mr. Mark Kelly, Director, Irish Council for Civil Liberties, said the Bill provided a significant opportunity to debate the need for constitutional and legislative reform to tackle the inequalities faced by same sex couples.
“This is the first time that the Dáil will debate such legislation following upon recommendations from a report by the Working Group on Domestic Partnership, which was published last November. The ICCL has consistently campaigned for legal recognition of the partnership rights of everyone living in Ireland,” he said.
“This debate is an important step towards achieving our ultimate goal of an express right for all persons to marry and found a family in accordance with the law, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation,” he added.
The ICCL is campaigning for constitutional reform and legislative reform to prioritise children’s rights and to ensure that all persons have the right to marry and found a family, regardless of their sexual identity or orientation.