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02/07/2010
Civil Partnership Bill Passed In Daíl
The Irish Republic is to recognise same-sex 'marriages' with news that the Daíl has passed a Bill that will allow civil partnerships between such couples. The Civil Partnership and Cohabitation Bill passed through the House without a vote last night and will now go to be ratified by the Seanad, the upper chamber.
A crowd outside the Daíl including Catholic bishops held a protest outside.
Speaking after the bill was passed, Chair of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, Kieran Rose, said: "Today is an historic advance not just for lesbian and gay couples, but for everyone in Ireland. It is a major civil rights reform and a great achievement for Irish society."
The bill was supported by all parties in the Dail, although individual politicians have criticised the legislation.
It is expected to become law in the autumn, 17 years after homosexuality was fully decriminalised in the Irish Republic.
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said it was "one of the most important human rights pieces of legislation the House had dealt with".
"Our society has changed 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."
(DW/BMcC)
A crowd outside the Daíl including Catholic bishops held a protest outside.
Speaking after the bill was passed, Chair of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, Kieran Rose, said: "Today is an historic advance not just for lesbian and gay couples, but for everyone in Ireland. It is a major civil rights reform and a great achievement for Irish society."
The bill was supported by all parties in the Dail, although individual politicians have criticised the legislation.
It is expected to become law in the autumn, 17 years after homosexuality was fully decriminalised in the Irish Republic.
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said it was "one of the most important human rights pieces of legislation the House had dealt with".
"Our society has changed 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."
(DW/BMcC)
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Historical Institutional Abuse Bill Passed
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28 January 2011
Dáil 'To Dissolve On Tuesday'
The Irish Republic's Premier, Brian Cowen, is to announce the dissolution of the Dáil next Tuesday in preparation for the upcoming election at the end of February. The end of the current parliament will also mark the end of Mr Cowen's two-year tenure as Taoiseach, while speculation is mounting that it may also be the end of his career in politics.
Dáil 'To Dissolve On Tuesday'
The Irish Republic's Premier, Brian Cowen, is to announce the dissolution of the Dáil next Tuesday in preparation for the upcoming election at the end of February. The end of the current parliament will also mark the end of Mr Cowen's two-year tenure as Taoiseach, while speculation is mounting that it may also be the end of his career in politics.
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