[Article] Ireland to block widening of EU marriage rights

Victor

Hmmmm, this brring up an interesting argument, let us say country X has an visa arrangement with Ireland that allows key workers to bring their spouses / family with them. How far should that definition of spouse(s) / family go?

http://home.eircom.net/content/unison/national/1531880?view=Eircomnet

Ireland to block widening of EU marriage rights
From:The Irish Independent
Sunday, 21st September, 2003
CONOR SWEENEY, European Editor in Brussels

IRELAND hopes to block gay or unmarried couples from getting the same rights as married partners at an EU meeting tomorrow.

Along with three other countries, Ireland hopes to prevent the extension of existing European rights to live and work in other countries.

Although most member states support liberalising the current regime, Germany, Austria, Spain and Ireland are all against the change.

Despite the Irish objections, diplomats in Brussels expect the directive on freedom of movement and residence to be passed by a qualified majority vote.

It comes before Ministers attending the EU's Competitiveness Council tomorrow.

Although Tanaiste Mary Harney is normally at this meeting, she is not expected to attend. Officials will instead present the Irish position.

The proposal would broaden current definitions of a family to include gay and unmarried couples. It would also ease other areas of red tape, such as simplifying the right to permanent residency in another country.

mike65

The governments postion of a bit rich considering the status of its Prime-Minster! And we could have a gay president if David Norris
threw his hat into the ring....

Mike.

Typedef

I hate to say anything unpatriotic.

But.

I hope (sincerly) that in this case Ireland singularly fails to prevent this measure being passed in Europe.

Honestly, it's quite embarressing that this nation should be associated with such a blinkered homophobic, jugdemental position.

Get over it Catholic Ireland.




Christ!