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31/03/2004
Civil Partnership Bill ensures equality says Minister
Equality proposals will mean that same-sex couples in Northern Ireland will be treated in the same way as couples throughout the rest of the UK.
The proposed Civil Partnership Bill, which is published today, will provide for a new legal status for committed same-sex couples who want to formalise their relationship and live their lives in partnership together. A civil partnership registration scheme will be introduced for Northern Ireland alongside schemes for England, Wales and Scotland.
Announcing the Bill, NIO Minister Ian Pearson said: “Last December I launched a period of consultation on the proposals for Civil Registration. In response, we received a wide range of views from individual citizens, political representatives, churches and other organisations.
“Having considered the responses, we have decided to take the proposals forward as part of a UK-wide Bill. The new legislation will introduce Civil Partnerships across the United Kingdom to ensure people who move within the UK enjoy equal rights.
“The Northern Ireland Assembly, on its return, will be free to re-visit these issues and bring forward new legislation if it wishes to do so.”
A report summarising and analysing the responses will be made available on the Office of Law Reform website: www.olrni.gov.uk
(MB)
The proposed Civil Partnership Bill, which is published today, will provide for a new legal status for committed same-sex couples who want to formalise their relationship and live their lives in partnership together. A civil partnership registration scheme will be introduced for Northern Ireland alongside schemes for England, Wales and Scotland.
Announcing the Bill, NIO Minister Ian Pearson said: “Last December I launched a period of consultation on the proposals for Civil Registration. In response, we received a wide range of views from individual citizens, political representatives, churches and other organisations.
“Having considered the responses, we have decided to take the proposals forward as part of a UK-wide Bill. The new legislation will introduce Civil Partnerships across the United Kingdom to ensure people who move within the UK enjoy equal rights.
“The Northern Ireland Assembly, on its return, will be free to re-visit these issues and bring forward new legislation if it wishes to do so.”
A report summarising and analysing the responses will be made available on the Office of Law Reform website: www.olrni.gov.uk
(MB)
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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.
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24 August 2009
Cardinal Attacks Civil Partnerships
The head of the Catholic church in Ireland has voiced opposition to same-sex civil partnerships. Cardinal Sean Brady's criticism comes weeks after the Irish state published its Civil Partnership Bill, which will give gay couples in Ireland similar legal status to married people for the first time.
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03 December 2002
Former ministers hit out at civil service employment bar
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10 August 2009
'No Bonuses' For Public Sector Bosses
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'No Bonuses' For Public Sector Bosses
Senior Northern Ireland civil servants will not receive bonuses this year, The Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has said. Mr Wilson said he had considered all "relevant factors" - including public debate over public sector pay - and decided to cut the award scheme to top level workers.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
