The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has said that, in denying free travel passes to same sex couples, Irish Rail is “profiteering from a license to discriminate” issued by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
Reacting to news that the company has cracked down on the use of “companion” passes by same sex couples, ICCL Director Mr. Mark Kelly said that:
“Irish Rail is profiteering from a license to discriminate issued to it by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Some four years ago the Department responded to Equality Tribunal rulings against discriminatory definitions of partnership by seeking and obtaining an amendment to the Social Welfare Bill 2004. Rather than ending this form of discriminatory treatment, the Dáil allowed the law to be changed to restore discrimination against same sex couples.”
“This case highlights the urgent need for new legislation on same sex partnerships. It also highlights the folly of tinkering with the mandates of the Equality Authority and Equality Tribunal, which have been stout defenders of the right of same sex couples to be treated equally. This is a time to strengthen the protection of equality in Ireland, not water it down” he concluded.