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FG seeks rights for same-sex couples

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  • 24-06-2004 4:35pm
    #1
    dictatorcat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 211 ✭✭


    Today in the Irish Times breaking news:

    Fine Gael seeks rights for same-sex couples
    By Niina Hepojoki Last updated: 24-06-04, 14:54

    Same-sex couples should be allowed to formally register their relationship with the State, according to a framework policy published today by Fine Gael.

    The party is seeking a Civil Partnership Register that would award same-sex-couples, as well as cohabiting but unmarried heterosexual couples, a range of new rights and responsibilities.

    The succession rights conferred by the policy would, in the event of a death, grant the surviving partner entitlement to his/her estate without being liable to inheritance tax.

    It is proposed that next-of-kin status would be bestowed upon a registered partner, who would be entitled to full hospital visitation rights and would be consulted in the areas of medical treatment and funeral arrangements.

    Fine Gael also envisages the right of residency in Ireland would be automatically conferred on a foreign registered partner, and that the equivalent of the married tax-free allowance and married mortgage allowance would also be conferred on registered couples

    However, the party emphasised that the civil partnership policy is not an attack on traditional marriage. Fine Gael Senator Sheila Terry said that civil partnership is not the same thing as marriage because it does not confer the couple rights in relation to children in the way that marriage does.

    "Fine Gael remains committed to the institution of marriage", Senator Terry said. She said the policy was the "next logical step" in ensuring rights for lesbian and gay couples who are discriminated in relation to pensions, property, taxation, welfare and other areas.

    Studies quoted in the policy document estimate that one in ten Irish people are gay, and Fine Gael believes that its proposal is "an important step in ensuring everyone shares the rights - and responsibilities - they deserve".


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    #2
    swiss
    Registered Users Posts: 1,745 ✭✭✭swiss


    Kudos to Fine Gael for coming out (forgive the pun) with something that advances civil liberties for gay couples. In another recent thread a forum member emailed FG before the election asking their position on this matter. He received this response.

    Note however that this proposal would not confer onto gay couples the same rights as married couples. There is still a long way to go to achieve that level of parity. However, I believe it is a good step towards that goal and is a damn sight better than what FF et all have done to advance the issue (which is SFA).

    I know where my vote will go in the next election.


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    #3
    MarcusGarvey
    Closed Accounts Posts: 825 ✭✭✭MarcusGarvey


    Call me cynical because I am but they just rehashed the paper from the Law Reform Commission and probably Senator Norris's idea too.

    I hope they actively push this now, because while creating a paper is one thing actually pushing and fighting for it is another.

    Hopefully all the parties should forget about gloryhunting on an issue like this and unite to get a proper law passed.


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