via independent.ie
The government has approved the Heads of a Civil Partnership bill, paving the way for laws to give legal recognition to civil unions for same-sex and heterosexual couples.
The proposed legislation will bring Ireland into line with most EU States.
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said the bill would have a number of key objectives:
“As well as providing for Civil Partnership Registration for same-sex couples, it will also provide certainty as to the status of cohabitation agreements, and a legal safety-net to people living in long term relationships who may otherwise be very vulnerable at the end of a relationship, whether through break-up or through bereavement.”
However, judging by comments made at Saturday’s Dublin Pride, the move for civil partnerships, rather than marriage, will not be welcomed by all LGBT people in the country, but it is doubtless a step in the right direction.
UPDATE: It’s now becoming clear that this legislation doesn’t cover the rights of children in these civil partnerships.
Posted by pogoism 
Posted by pogoism 
Posted by pogoism 
