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Labour Youth expresses support for Civil Unions Bill

Issued : Tuesday 20 February, 2007

This evening (February 20th), Deputy Brendan Howlin will introduce the Civil Unions Bill to the Dáil, providing an equality of treatment to same-sex couples within this state.

Speaking in advance of the debate, Labour Youth Vice-Chair, Neil Ward said: "The Civil Unions Bill being introduced by the Labour Party represents the first significant commitment by a political party in this state, to equality of treatment for same-sex couples.

"We warmly welcome this legislation as a first step towards achieving full equality of opportunity for those couples.

"Labour Youth, in conjunction with Labour LGBT and Labour Equality have been campaigning for some time for a referendum to be held on a constitutional amendment to allow for same-sex marriage. We believe that this legislation represents a first step in that direction, and that it clearly illustrates the Government's lack of commitment to date in this area.

"We call on all deputies, including members of the Government parties, to support the Bill. Both Taoiseach and Tánaiste have commented on the need for such legislation in recent years, so we are hopeful that they will display their support for the LGBT community by supporting this Bill. The Labour Party has produced a comprehensive Bill which will deliver real equality of treatment for countless couples who urgently require such protections.

"Same-sex couples have been abandoned by the state for long enough. The Civil Unions Bill is a massive step towards correcting that situation, and a step which should be embraced by all."