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Cohabitants report welcome, but gov dragging its feet on civil unions

Issued : Friday 1 December, 2006

The Labour Party Spokesperson on Justice, Brendan Howlin TD, has welcomed the publication by the Law Reform Commission on Rights and Duties of Cohabitants.

“The Law Reform reports contains a set of sensible and practical proposals to provide greater rights and entitlements for those couples who, do not wish to avail of the option of marriage or a formal civil union – should that be provided for in law. The government has little excuse for acting on this issue, particular as the Law Reform Commission has even provided a draft Bill.

“However, it is a matter of concern that the government has shown no real commitment to the introduction of legislation that would provide for the civil union option for same sex couples. The government has been dancing around this issue for some time. There have been sympathetic noises from both the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste, but no indication of a willingness to act. Despite the publication, earlier this week, of the Report of the Working Group on Domestic Relationships, the government has refused to give any commitment on the introduction of legislation to allow for civil partnerships.

“When questioned in the Dail on Wednesday, Minister McDowell specifically refused to give any commitment on legislation and it seemed clear from his responses that the government has no intention of touching this issue – certainly in advance of the general election.

“I believe that Irish society has matured and attitudes changed sufficiently to the point where the majority of Irish people would now have no problem with legislation that would provide same-sex couples with same rights and duties that are generally available to married couples.

“The Dail should be given the opportunity of legislating on this issue. If the government won’t bring the appropriate legislation before the House, the Labour Party will. We have been working on a draft Private Members Bill that is now at an advanced stage of preparation and which, I hope, will now be finalised for publication over the next few weeks.”