Irish government advances civil-union legislation

June 29, 2009

The Irish government has introduced legislation that would establish "civil union" status for same-sex couples. Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said that the proposal would offer "very significant rights to civil partners," while stopping short of legal recognition for same-sex marriage. The government-- which had promised a major concession to gay activists, while warning against a potentially divisive drive for approval of same-sex marriage-- hopes to have the legislation enacted before the end of this year.

 

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Further information:

• Ireland grants rights to same-sex partnerships (Reuters)
• Ireland to give legal recognition to same-sex couples (AFP)
• Partnership rights in place for gay couples by end of year (Irish Times)