Ireland's Dáil Passes Civil Partnership Bill

In yet another example of how the United States - alleged land of the free with religious freedom for all - is lagging behind an increasing number of countries around the world in how it treats its LGBT citizens, Ireland's parliament, the Dáil, has passed a civil partnership law that applies to same sex couples. Passage of the legislation is also a sound rebuke to the Roman Catholic Church. The Catholic Church's bishops, whose moral authority in Ireland has virtually collapsed, had strenuously opposed the legislation. It says a lot that Catholic Ireland by autumn will treats its LGBT citizens far better than the majority of states and the federal government in the USA where religious based discrimination continues to pervert and infect the civil laws. Kudos to Ireland. Here are some highlights from the Irish Times:

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The Bill recognising the civil partnership of same-sex couples passed all stages in the Dáil tonight without a vote. Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said the Civil Partnership Bill would put in place a legal regime that reflected the many forms of relationships in modern Irish society. "Our society has change substantially in recent decades,’’ he said. “While marriage is more popular than ever, other forms of relationships have become increasingly common; they create some difficulties in the legal system and require in our law a measure of recognition and of protection."

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There was a protest outside Leinster House against the legislation. When the debate was concluded inside, however, there was applause from people in the public gallery.
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A number of amendments were made during the committee stages of the Bill including an increase in the period of cohabitation required to qualify for certain rights included in the legislation. The legislation is not expected to become law until the autumn.

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The Catholic bishops have come out strongly against the legislation. However, Government ministers recently dismissed claims from them that the Bill may be unconstitutional.