Supporters of same sex marriage say that the Civil Partnership Bill does not go far enough.
Around five thousand protesters took to the streets of Dublin to express their disappointment at the proposed Civil Partnership Bill which they say does not go far enough.
The bill due to be debated in the Dáil in the autumn provides statutory partnership rights to gay and lesbian couples but falls short of allowing them to marry.
The Civil Partnership Bill for the first time means same-sex couples will be recognised as partners before the law.
The bill means that same-sex couples will have the same succession rights, tax and social welfare entitlements as married couples. It stops short of allowing same sex couples the right to marry.
One couple protesting say they want to be treated the same as a straight people. Others are there to support equality for all citizens in the country.
Groups such as The Irish Council for Civil Liberties and The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network acknowledge that the bill is at least a step in the right direction. Protesters believe that the law should provide for marriage with one saying,
There's no reason for stepping stones.
Patricia Prendiville, former executive director of the International Lesbian & Gay Association, says that Ireland has an opportunity to take the full step and allow marriage for all. Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern TD claims that introducing marriage for same sex couples would be unconstitutional. The minister believes there is a way forward for marriage equality but it may involve a constitutional change.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 August 2009. The reporter is Laura Fletcher.
