Same-sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland

2651: 1480:. The bill provided for the recognition of unmarried partnerships, both same-sex and opposite-sex cohabiting couples. It defined eligibility for a civil partnership and the process of registering a civil partnership. Rather than listing all the rights of a civil partner, it specified that all the rights of marriage would apply to anyone in a civil partnership. However, it specifically defined the dissolution process and the process for recognising foreign civil partnerships. Norris said the bill was initiated "to protect the rights of adults who find themselves in relationships outside the conventional bonds of marriage" and "to meet the requirements of those who are making arrangements in their personal lives outside the formalities of marriage" and who also "need to be supported in the creation of mature stable relationships". Norris said he had done substantial research in order to achieve consensus on a moderate bill which took on board stated reservations. 2665: 1315:. The ability to enter into a civil partnership ended on 16 November 2015. Constitutional protections granted to spouses, such as the spouse of a witness not being compelled to give evidence against their spouse in most cases, is one example of protections granted under civil partnerships. Spouses may further claim privilege in so far as necessary to protect the constitutional right to marital privacy. No such constitutional protections existed for civil partnerships. Further inequalities in relation to the family, immigration and other types of Irish law existed. The legislation also provided rights for participants in long-term cohabiting relationships (opposite-sex or same-sex) who had not entered into a civil partnership or 2142:(the children referendum). The purposes of the bill were to allow children to be adopted by their foster carers, where they have cared for the child for at least 18 months, and to allow two people regardless of marital status to adopt children, thus granting married same-sex couples the right to adopt. The bill also allows for the adoption of a child by civil partners and cohabiting couples and gives children a greater say in the adoption process, among many other reforms to the adoption system. The bill passed the Dáil on 30 November 2016, and received approval by the Seanad on 13 June 2017. The bill was signed into law by President 2630:

reaffirmed this teaching in a motion on "Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief". The motion added that the church "recognises for itself and of itself, no other understanding of marriage" and acknowledged that members of the church "have at times hurt and wounded people by words and actions, in relation to human sexuality". The church affirmed a "continuing commitment to love our neighbour, and opposition to all unbiblical and uncharitable actions and attitudes in respect of human sexuality from whatever perspective, including bigotry, hurtful words or actions, and demeaning or damaging language". In October 2023, the

2797:/Behaviour Attitudes of 1,006 people showed that 67% of respondents felt same-sex couples should be allowed to marry. This majority extended across all age groups, with the exception of the over-65s, and 66% of Catholics were in favour of same-sex marriage. Only 25% disagreed that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, opposition that was concentrated among older people and those in rural areas. In terms of same-sex adoption, 46% were in support and 38% opposed; however, a majority of women, 18–44-year-olds, and urban dwellers supported the idea. The survey also showed that 91% of people would not think less of someone who 2787:

October 2008 revealed that 62% of adults would vote "yes" in a referendum to extend civil marriage to same-sex couples. A breakdown of the results showed that support was strongest among younger people and in urban areas. Women were more supportive at 68% compared to 56% of men. There was slightly less support for same-sex couples being given the right to adopt. A total of 58% of those under 50 believed same-sex couples should be able to adopt, falling to 33% among the over-50s. A total of 54% believed the definition of the family unit in the Irish Constitution should be changed to include same-sex families.

1210: 1143:. Offering civil marriage to same-sex couples would be open to a constitutional challenge. They also recommended a legal presumption of partnership for couples who have lived together for three years, or have children together. No recommendations were made for couples in non-conjugal relationships due to lack of research. The cabinet reviewed the report, but no legislation was introduced before the 2007 general election, and in the intervening period the government rejected opposition legislation, saying that legislation should await the Supreme Court appeal in 1978: 1175:: In January 2001, the authority produced a report on same-sex partnerships in Ireland. In May 2002, the Equality Authority issued its formal report on equality for lesbians, gays and bisexuals, which highlighted the lack of recognition for same-sex couples in Irish law. In a departure from the norm, the report recommended legislative changes. These were to give legal recognition to same-sex couples and to provide equality with married couples in the areas of adoption, inheritance and taxation to eliminate discrimination. 1197:: Legal recognition of partnership rights and addressing inequalities in family law were a strategic objective of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) for 2004–2009. In a December 2004 submission, they welcomed the Law Reform proposals, but said that registered unions were necessary. In a 2005 radio interview, the partnerships officer said that full civil marriage would not be likely to succeed in a referendum. However, their May 2006 report on the issue, "Equality for All Families" launched by ICCL founder 1859: 2868:

43% of church-attending Christians supported same-sex marriage. Opposition was 20% among 18–34-year-olds. The 2019 Eurobarometer found that 79% of Irish people thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 13% were opposed. The 2023 Eurobarometer showed that support had increased to 86%, while 9% were opposed. The survey also found that 83% of Irish people thought that "there is nothing wrong in a sexual relationship between two persons of the same sex", while 12% disagreed.

1189:: In a report on de facto couples presented to the Justice Minister in May 2006, the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) evaluated international standards in dealing with unmarried couples, and assessed the changes needed in Irish law from a human rights perspective. The Commission called for legal recognition of all de facto relationships, but did not call for civil marriage to be made available to same-sex couples. The IHRC also released a report on the civil partnership scheme in January 2009. 2072:

quickly as possible, subject to the legislative process, so that the first same-sex marriages can take place this year." Under the legislation, the first same-sex marriages would be those of couples who convert a notification of their intention to register a civil partnership into a notification of their intention to marry. The bill passed all stages of the legislative process in the Oireachtas on 22 October 2015. On 29 October 2015, the bill was signed into law by the

1158: 3271: 3257: 836: 10108: 1942:. The bill set out the changes to be made to legislation if the proposed amendment was approved. These changes included removing the legislative bar on same-sex couples marrying (though the wording of the amendment is self-executing and designed to invalidate it irrespective of legislative delay), addressing the situation of civil partnerships, and updating terminology of existing legislation to reflect the new provision. 1520:

violated the constitutional provisions on marriage and the family. Government speakers said that civil unions needed to be introduced but that more time was needed to take account of the ongoing Supreme Court case and investigation work in the Department of Justice. The government amended the bill to delay debate for six months. As expected, the bill then fell when the Dáil was dissolved in the intervening period for the

1491:, took place on 16 February 2005. The majority of speakers supported the principles behind the bill and complimented Senator Norris on his work. Some expressed reservations due to the constitutional protection of the family. A government amendment designed to postpone a vote attracted much acrimony. This postponement was to allow for input from then ongoing investigations: the Law Reform Commission, the High Court case 1582:, and had been included in the Programme for Government. The motion was referred to the parliamentary party's justice committee on 1 July 2008. A Fianna Fáil spokesperson was quoted as saying that there was "broad support" within the party for the legislation, while the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 2629:

affirms in its canon law that "according to our Lord's teaching that marriage is in its purpose a union permanent and life-long, for better or worse, till death do them part, of one man with one woman, to the exclusion of all others on either side". In 2012, the General Synod of the Church of Ireland

2169:

to allow lesbian couples who have had donor-assisted children to be automatically registered as their parents. Under the changes, parents may choose the labels "mother" and "father" or "parents", meaning that the non-biological mother would be able to legally register as a co-parent. Previously, only

2071:

On 16 September 2015, following the High Court's rejection of the legal challenge contesting the validity of the referendum result, Fitzgerald brought a same-sex marriage bill before cabinet. A spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Equality stated that "the aim is to have the bill enacted as

3240:

Support is strongest among younger voters. Sinn Féin and Labour voters are somewhat more in favour than Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil voters. Among those intending to vote "yes" in January 2015, 33/77 had "some reservations about same-sex marriage", and 29/77 had "some reservations about adoption by gay

2827:

showed that 76% of voters intended to support the introduction of same-sex marriage in any referendum, with 18% opposed and 6% undecided (with the undecideds excluded, the ratio was 81% support and 19% against). Support was highest among women (85%), those under 44 (87%), Labour supporters (96%) and

2704:

teachings. Among the general public, reaction was favourable, with a 2005 online poll showing most respondents seeing some recognition as inevitable and acceptable. More rigorous public polls taken during 2006 showed an increasing majority of the population, up to 80%, supporting the introduction of

2584:

said, "At a practical level as a priest, I welcome the clarity in this document. The pope is very clear that these pastoral blessings are not a kind of a liturgical or ritual acknowledgment that these unions are equivalent or in any way analogous to the marriage between a man or a woman. At the same

2293:

1,082 same-sex couples married in Ireland in the one year following the law's entry into force, averaging 21 same-sex weddings a week. 450 of these marriages were performed in Dublin, 93 in Cork, 56 in Wicklow and 48 in Kildare. The counties with the fewest same-sex marriages were Longford with two,

1326:

came into effect on 1 January 2011. It had been expected that the first ceremonies would not take place until April 2011 due to a three-month waiting period required by law for all civil ceremonies. However, the legislation provided a mechanism for exemptions to be sought through the courts, and the

1078:

registration open to same-sex or opposite-sex couples which would confer succession, maintenance and taxation rights. Controversially, it also recommended that the 'presumed' recognition of cohabiting partners by the courts, as recommended by the Law Reform Commission, should also be legislated for,

980:

The consultation proposals called for legal 'presumed' recognition of "qualifying" cohabiting relationships. "Qualifying cohabitees" were defined as unmarried same-sex or opposite-sex cohabiting couples in a 'marriage-like' relationships of 2 years (or 3 years in some cases), to be determined by the

972:

to examine the rights and duties of cohabitees. In April 2004, the commission published a consultation paper with provisional recommendations on legal issues related to cohabiting relationships. The report included an analysis of issues for same-sex couples. Following responses, the final report was

2867:

poll, conducted between April and August 2017 and published in May 2018, showed that 66% of Irish people supported same-sex marriage, 27% were opposed and 7% did not know or had refused to answer. When divided by religion, 87% of religiously unaffiliated people, 80% of non-practicing Christians and

2105:

Though most same-sex couples seeking to marry are required to give three months notice (as is the case for opposite-sex couples), same-sex couples already in a civil partnership were allowed to make use of a 5-day fast track provision in the legislation. As of 16 November 2015, same-sex couples who

1945:

The Marriage Equality referendum was held on 22 May 2015. With votes from all 43 constituencies counted, the 62.07% "yes" vote assured the passage of the referendum. In the aftermath of the result, Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald stated that legislation would be brought through

1358:

Certain foreign partnerships and same-sex marriages have been recognised as civil partnerships since 13 January 2011. While Glenn Cunningham and Adriano Vilar are often cited as the first same-sex couple to have their civil partnership formally recognised in Ireland, in fact several hundred couples

2765:

with commitments to same-sex couples. In 2012, Sinn Féin sought to provide opportunities to bring same-sex marriage to the fore by introducing motions of support at the city and county council level. By November 2013, all parties in the Dáil supported same-sex marriage: the Labour Party, the Green

2592:

also welcomed the declaration, "This document is a valuable gift since it focuses on the beauty of blessings flowing from the heart of God and is particularly welcome before Christmas when we celebrate the greatest blessing on our world – Christ Our Saviour – who is born among us. He is the One to

1601:

on 3 December 2009. He said that consequent modifications to the finance and social welfare provisions would come into effect when the bill was passed. There was further second stage debate on the bill on 21 January 2010. The second stage finished on 27 January 2010, and the committee stage of the

1342:

to take account of civil partnerships. The Act, in the main, is retrospective to 1 January 2011 and it creates virtual parity, in taxation matters, between civil partners on the one hand and married people on the other hand. The Social Welfare Code had already been amended in December 2010 to take

1181:: In April 2003, the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) published a report calling for the implementation of equality policies for gay, lesbian and bisexual people, and for the Law Reform Commission to consider models to achieve equal rights for same-sex couples in its then upcoming report. 2786:

supported civil marriage or civil partnerships for same-sex couples, with 58% (up from 51%) supporting full marriage rights in registry offices. The number who believed same-sex couples should only be allowed to have civil partnerships fell in the same period, from 33% to 26%. A public survey in

2617:

states that marriage is "a relationship, intended as permanent, between one man and one woman" in its "Practical Expressions of Methodist Belief" document. The church opposes "all debased forms of sexuality and sexual practice, whether heterosexual or homosexual" but asks for "understanding and

1515:

TD, tabled a private member's bill on civil partnerships in Dáil Éireann. Similar to the Norris bill in its provisions, this bill defined a civil union as providing all the rights and duties as defined for marriage, but specifically limited civil unions to same-sex couples. It also provided for

1519:

The debate, again including contributions from Justice Minister Michael McDowell, took place in February 2007. All speakers supported civil unions for same-sex couples and complimented Deputy Howlin on the bill. One expressed reservations about adoption. Minister McDowell claimed that the bill

1037:

stated that it was examining these articles "to ascertain the extent to which they are serving the good of individuals and the community, with a view to deciding whether changes in them would bring about a greater balance between the two." Among the many issues raised by the committee were the

1836:. On 18 January 2016, key provisions of the law (including spouses, stepparents, civil partners and cohabiting partners being able to apply to become guardians of a child or for custody) went into effect, following the signing of a commencement order by the Minister for Justice and Equality, 1201:, called for legislated partnership registration and revisions to the constitutional provisions on civil marriage and the family, to give improved protection to children. This revision, which might require a referendum, should include a right to marry irrespective of sexual orientation. 1729:

in 2015, the ability to enter into a civil partnership was closed off. As of 16 November 2015, no further civil partnerships are granted in Ireland and existing civil partners only retain that status if they do not marry. Any civil partnership converted into a marriage is dissolved.

2585:

time, it shows that the issues and the hurts experienced by people identifying as LGBT+ have certainly been heard very loudly within the church. I do hope that people who may have felt excluded in the past, will see this as some step towards them with the love and mercy of Christ."

1613:

The Minister for Justice signed a commencement order for the Act on 23 December 2010. The Act came into force on 1 January 2011. The date of commencement of the Act was dependent on further legislation in the areas of taxation and social welfare, which was enacted separately. The

1005:, and recommended some changes in the law to provide rights for qualifying cohabitees. These rights would be applied by the court on application as distinct from the 'automatic' rights of legal marriage. The commission took care not to propose anything which would equate 2618:

tolerance for those whose sexual orientation is towards those of their own gender" and encourages the wider church "to give a greater lead in the education of society, including Christians, regarding this issue, so that ignorance, prejudice and fear may disappear". The

1554:

in 2007, and a commitment to legislation introducing civil partnerships was agreed in the Programme for Government in June of that year. On 24 June 2008, the government announced the publication of a civil partnership bill. In response to the legislation, Senator

2106:

married abroad have their marriages recognised in Ireland. The first marriage ceremonies of same-sex couples occurred the following day, on 17 November 2015. The first couple to marry in Ireland were Richard Dowling and Cormac Gollogly on Tuesday, 17 November in

2684:

was not a high-profile issue in Ireland. From 2001 however, Irish media increasingly covered international developments on the recognition of same-sex partnerships. This has included coverage of reports on the issue, legal cases taken by Irish same-sex couples,

1609:

on 19 July 2010. Minister Ahern said, "This is one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation to be enacted since independence. Its legislative advance has seen an unprecedented degree of unity and support within both Houses of the Oireachtas."

1131:. The group facilitated a conference on the topic in May 2006, as input to its reports which was attended by experts from other countries which have introduced civil unions and same-sex marriage. During his speech, McDowell was interrupted by members of the 5600: 1138:

Initially to report by March 2006, the group presented its report to the government in November 2006. They recommended that a civil partnership scheme would resolve most of the issues for same-sex and cohabiting couples, while providing less benefits than

2819:

showed that 73% of voters supported the idea of same-sex marriages being recognised in the Irish Constitution, and a late 2012 poll by Millward Brown Lansdowne showed that 75% of respondents would vote in favour of extending marriage to same-sex couples.

922:

on 29 October 2015, gave legislative effect to the amendment. Same-sex marriages in Ireland began being recognised from 16 November 2015, and the first marriage ceremonies of same-sex couples in Ireland occurred the following day. Ireland was the

1331:, the mainstream media were not present. It was not until 5 April 2011, the date originally anticipated as the date for the first ceremonies, that the media covered a civil partnership. This partnership ceremony, which was between Hugh Walsh and 1805:

referred the issue of whether to make provision for same-sex marriage to the Constitutional Convention, to report back in a year. On 14 April 2013, the convention approved provisions allowing for same-sex marriage, to be discussed by the

2814:

showed that 73% of people supported allowing same-sex marriage, with 53% "agreeing strongly" with the idea, and 60% felt that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children. A poll in January 2012 conducted by RED C for the

1054:

The committee held oral hearings in spring 2005 and received an unexpectedly large volume of written submissions with at least 60% being opposed to any constitutional changes to marriage or the family, including from members of

6367: 6050: 6542: 1946:

the Oireachtas by summer (i.e. sometime in June or July 2015) to make same-sex marriage a reality. However, an unsuccessful legal challenge contesting the validity of the referendum delayed the legislation from going to

8815: 1535:

arguing that the bill was unconstitutional but without giving a reasoning. The government committed itself to introducing its own bill for registered civil partnerships by 31 March 2008, a date it would fail to meet.

1602:

bill was completed on 27 May 2010. The bill was passed in the final stage by the Dáil without a vote on 1 July 2010. It was passed in the final stage in the Seanad by a vote of 48–4 on 8 July 2010 and was signed by

8347: 5592: 2114:. The couple said they " really delighted to be able to do it and we are 12 years together so it was obviously the next move. Having a full marriage was important to us so now we can relax and get old together." 2790:

A survey commissioned by MarriagEquality in February 2009 indicated that 62% of Irish people supported same-sex marriage and would vote in favour of it if a referendum were held. In September 2010, a survey by

2816: 2294:

followed by three in Roscommon and five in Leitrim. 1,056 same-sex marriages took place in 2016, the first full year when same-sex couples could get married; 606 were male unions and 450 were female unions.

1810:

and be put to a public referendum. On 2 July 2013, the Constitutional Convention delivered the formal report to the Oireachtas, which had four months to respond. On 5 November 2013, it was announced that a

9673: 1445:

that marriage as defined in the Irish Constitution was between a man and a woman and that there was no breach of rights in the refusal of the Revenue Commissioners to recognise foreign same-sex marriages.

1573:

responded by insisting that the registration of same-sex couples would not interfere with the constitutional status of marriage. Cowen noted that the bill had been drawn up in close consultation with the

9395: 1545: 1307: 939: 8225: 2604:

which affirms that marriage "is to be between one man and one woman: neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband, at the same time". The

9241: 6599: 6402: 2186:

a few days ahead of the first anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum showed that 412 same-sex marriages had been performed in Ireland since November 2015, distributed by county as follows:

1439:

included a prohibition of same-sex marriage. The act explicitly declared that there was an "impediment to a marriage" if "both parties are of the same sex". In December 2006, the High Court held in

6871: 2658: 6652: 7016: 1569:

had signed the motion. One anonymous senator was quoted as claiming that the motion "would have considerable support from the more conservative sections of the parliamentary party". Taoiseach

9908: 9805: 8265: 6163: 4229: 6976: 3475: 1383:

the rights and obligations attendant on the relationship are, in the opinion of the Minister, sufficient to indicate that the relationship would be treated comparably to a civil partnership.

8929: 7099: 9913: 1079:

but only for opposite-sex couples. The basis for the limitation was that it would be easy for the courts to determine the validity of an opposite-sex relationship if there were children.

8721: 3508: 3415: 9918: 6360: 1403:. The reason is that these kinds of relationships can be dissolved by agreement between the parties (that is by both parties signing a document with a lawyer), not through the courts. 9385: 8967: 6054: 4386: 3539: 2123: 648: 1391:, four of which in been passed: in 2010, listing 33 relationship types in 27 jurisdictions; in 2011, adding 6 relationships; in 2012, adding 4; and in 2013, adding 14. The French 10247: 10090: 9835: 9795: 9755: 9658: 9210: 3625: 2856:

found that 67% of respondents would vote in favour of same-sex marriage and 21% against, with 12% undecided. When the undecided were excluded, 76% were in favour and 24% against.

8406: 5198: 9898: 6534: 6338: 6020: 8812: 8548: 5953: 9785: 9663: 9648: 6953: 6629: 2693:, extra-legal same-sex unions, blessings and the foreign partnerships of Irish politicians. There was extensive coverage of the 2005 introduction of civil partnerships by the 8844: 8492: 2650: 9840: 9688: 4782: 4408: 2174:. The legislation passed the Daíl in March 2019, and the Seanad in May 2019, and was signed into law by President Higgins on 23 May 2019. It came into effect that same day. 9018: 7241: 3887: 1109:

registration ceremonies. The government said that it would legislate following the report, but Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also said there might not be time to do so before the

3816: 718:

Recognition of a "declaration of family relationship" is available in 68 of Cambodia’s communes which may be useful in matters such as housing, but is not legally binding.

8343: 7942: 6458: 677:

Registered foreign marriages confer all marriage rights. Domestic common-law marriages confer most rights of marriage. Domestic civil marriage recognized by some cities.

8659: 9149: 4292: 6132: 5570: 7068: 5775: 5742: 5713: 5684: 5655: 5108: 8574: 8369: 10269: 6841: 661: 7576: 4021: 1524:. Deputy Howlin said that the real reason for the delay was that the government did not want to enact this type of social legislation in the face of an election. 1327:

first partnership, which was between two men, was registered on 7 February 2011. While this ceremony was carried out publicly in the Civil Registration Office in

10384: 1495:

on the recognition of a Canadian marriage and the Constitutional Review Committee. Eventually, it was agreed to debate the bill but adjourn a vote indefinitely.

10202: 8604: 4080: 1840:. Portions of the Act allowing for joint adoption, which never went into effect as no commencement order was signed, were repealed in 2017 after passage of the 622: 618: 466: 9405: 1853: 1812: 1726: 1346:

Registration of civil partnerships discontinued on the day same-sex marriage legislation came into effect in November 2015, though existing civil partners are

1273: 905: 8221: 1765:

recognised for the filing of joint tax returns in Ireland. The case was heard in October 2006. The judgment was delivered in December 2006 and found that the

10758: 10264: 10207: 9064: 6732: 2139: 614: 579: 9249: 4466: 10735: 10444: 8291: 7040: 6392: 319: 6591: 5492: 5159: 4325: 10015: 6863: 6681: 1773:

in February 2007. It came before the Supreme Court in 2012, although returned to the High Court to challenge different elements of law, specifically the

8637: 6660: 6309: 5134: 9186: 7006: 2182:

91 same-sex marriages were performed between 16 November and 31 December 2015; 47 between two men and 44 were between two women. Data published by the

8522: 8466: 5931: 5518: 5408: 5230: 4601: 10714: 10551: 10351: 4860: 3383: 2570: 1932:

The amendment to the Constitution was moved on 21 January 2015. The referendum proposed to add the following text to Article 41 of the Constitution:

1050:

1° The State pledges itself to guard with special care the institution of marriage, on which the family is founded, and to protect it against attack.

8269: 6755: 6155: 6106: 5372: 4441: 8921: 8792: 8181: 7301: 7271: 7211: 6984: 4627: 1396: 8203: 7091: 6432: 4830: 3467: 1597:

The civil partnership bill was introduced on 26 June 2009. Dermot Ahern, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, introduced the bill's

7189: 7159: 7129: 5998: 3730: 3652: 7834: 7790: 7636: 6811: 5626: 4259: 4233: 3856: 3838: 3441: 10116: 8899: 7429: 7396: 4920: 3568: 544: 8713: 5544: 3500: 3405: 2532:

are the only mainstream church in Ireland that performs same-sex marriages. In 2018, a motion supporting and allowing such marriages in their

10366: 10184: 9257: 8130: 5850: 5438: 5025: 488: 7352: 2848:

showed that 76% of voters would vote "yes" to the introduction of same-sex marriage in any referendum. A poll conducted two months later by

10676: 10581: 10541: 10067: 8957: 8075: 7754: 4378: 3531: 2513: 1428:, was seeking to exclude non-married partners from social welfare legislation. The exclusion was a government response to a finding by the 355: 350: 17: 4347: 3594: 10516: 10361: 10331: 10319: 10281: 10214: 9207: 9120: 8993: 8691: 6194: 6080: 3621: 441: 424: 4943: 3357: 10626: 10591: 10429: 10309: 10224: 10219: 10189: 10129: 10097: 10057: 10047: 9400: 7521: 6785: 5188: 4179: 3910: 2619: 1824: 1400: 1266: 483: 413: 408: 244: 8769: 8396: 8247: 6923: 6894:"Adoption amendments come into force on Thursday. Minister Zappone signs the Commencement Order for the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017" 6028: 5961: 5312: 4493: 2528:

in Ireland do not support same-sex marriage and do not allow their clergy to bless or officiate at marriages of same-sex couples. The

1169:

Since 2002, various statutory bodies have issued reports calling for recognition of de facto same-sex and opposite-sex relationships.

10694: 10658: 10616: 10571: 10531: 10486: 10434: 10409: 10391: 10299: 10242: 10134: 10077: 10072: 10062: 9326: 6334: 2610: 864: 549: 478: 452: 324: 309: 304: 8544: 6945: 6833: 5977: 5077: 4969: 4546: 1586:, reaffirmed the constitutional compatibility of the law. The announcement was denounced as inadequate by the opposition Labour and 1319:. The following entry focuses primarily on the same-sex civil partnership aspect of the Act, as opposed to the cohabitation aspect. 10768: 10586: 10576: 10561: 10536: 10506: 10439: 10401: 10356: 10336: 10304: 10042: 10034: 8836: 6621: 3759: 3294: 539: 529: 473: 345: 334: 314: 275: 8488: 8020: 7870: 4412: 10686: 10621: 10501: 10341: 10326: 10314: 10237: 10052: 10008: 9982: 9880: 9693: 9481: 9281: 9025: 8743: 7249: 6250: 4778: 4723: 4691: 4659: 3879: 2606: 1106: 436: 431: 418: 373: 360: 329: 249: 9092: 3808: 3682: 10671: 10454: 10291: 10254: 9941: 9718: 9615: 9357: 8373: 7972: 7934: 7662: 6454: 3284: 2720:

also proposed legal recognition in 2004, but in a form different from marriage. Existing and new gay organisations such as the

2681: 2639: 1029:

The all-party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution, re-established in December 2002, was conducting a review of the entire

534: 254: 8432: 8042: 5290: 5047: 4995: 4890: 4745: 8666: 7998: 7852: 4113: 3998: 3704: 1762: 1259: 885: 30: 9156: 7812: 6893: 6706: 6568: 6276: 6224: 5460: 5260: 4568: 4285: 10641: 10546: 9956: 9800: 9527: 9390: 6128: 2664: 2578: 194: 7888: 7732: 7684: 7060: 6480: 5566: 1527:

Labour again brought their bill before the new house on 31 October 2007 but the government again voted the bill down. The

10704: 9476: 7772: 5771: 5738: 5709: 5680: 5651: 5100: 4146: 2863:

found that 80% of Irish people thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, whilst 15% were against. A

1819:

announced that the same-sex marriage referendum would take place in spring 2015. The referendum was held on 22 May 2015.

1794: 665: 584: 569: 8570: 7912: 2622:

affirms "the creation ordinance of marriage as the lifelong union of one man and one woman" in its Doctrinal Statement.

10511: 10001: 9765: 9461: 8104: 7706: 7584: 5901: 5875: 5827: 5801: 4808: 4470: 4211: 4057: 3972: 3946: 1459: 174: 4028: 2700:

Irish legislators began to comment publicly from 2003, some tentatively suggesting legislation, and some referring to

10082: 4087: 2635: 2558: 2073: 1193: 924: 919: 727:

Guardianship agreements, conferring some limited legal benefits, including decisions about medical and personal care.

219: 51: 8597: 5342: 2130:, announced that the Irish Government had approved the publication of a new adoption bill. The bill would amend the 1626:

2,071 civil partnerships were registered in Ireland between 2011 and 2015; 1,298 between men and 773 between women.

10681: 10611: 10259: 9865: 9466: 9443: 8321: 2721: 2694: 1744: 1441: 1145: 1124: 234: 199: 6736: 1359:

were recognised together at the exactly the same time. The couple had formed a civil partnership at a ceremony in

10521: 10159: 9775: 9054: 7606: 3139: 2838: 2601: 2586: 2566: 2562: 2183: 2127: 1837: 1094: 1093:

On 20 December 2005, Minister for Justice Michael McDowell announced that he was creating a working group in the

969: 179: 119: 8295: 7037: 5593:"Ahern Welcomes Coming Into Law of Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010" 3353: 2705:

some partnership rights for same-sex couples, with a slim majority favouring marriage. The numbers in favour of

1063:

and the Mother and Child Campaign. The final report, the tenth interim report of the committee, was launched by

10666: 10631: 10172: 10124: 9946: 9770: 8151: 5163: 2597: 2547:

opposes same-sex marriage and does not allow its priests to officiate at such marriages. In December 2023, the

2158: 1484: 1463: 1429: 1421: 84: 79: 4518:

The certificate of the first civil partnership, as registered by the Civil Registration Service. Available at

4317: 2751:

was the first party to launch an explicit policy document supporting civil partnerships. In the run-up to the

2744: 1790: 10763: 10636: 10596: 10566: 10376: 10154: 9966: 9951: 9850: 9845: 9820: 9678: 9367: 9319: 8629: 8154: 6488: 6298: 1488: 1185: 974: 857: 524: 214: 209: 114: 9936: 9293: 5130: 785:

Marriages conducted abroad between a Namibian national and a foreign spouse recognized for residency rights.

10773: 10491: 10476: 10466: 10461: 10449: 10424: 10419: 10414: 10276: 10232: 10179: 9875: 9825: 9738: 9733: 9723: 9708: 9703: 9698: 9683: 9668: 9653: 9643: 9638: 9182: 8514: 8454: 5923: 5514: 5398: 5220: 4591: 4520: 3379: 1556: 367: 259: 164: 154: 144: 139: 134: 129: 94: 89: 74: 8813:

Eastern and Western Europeans Differ on Importance of Religion, Views of Minorities, and Key Social Issues

7038:

Figures show over a thousand same-sex marriages have occurred a year after same-sex marriage was legalised

4852: 2743:

explicitly referred to the rights of same-sex couples, but from 2004 all political parties, including the

1017:. The paper also included recommendations on other steps that cohabiting couples should take such writing 10646: 10606: 10556: 10481: 10471: 10371: 10194: 10144: 10139: 9961: 9903: 9870: 9860: 9830: 9815: 9810: 9790: 9760: 9728: 9713: 9624: 9544: 9507: 8789: 6674: 6102: 6051:"The Countdown begins: Constitutional Convention lodges report on Marriage Equality for same-sex couples" 5540: 4913:"Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. – Seanad Éireann (22nd Seanad) – Wednesday, 16 February 2005" 4437: 3781: 2761: 2752: 2732: 2614: 1575: 1521: 1132: 1110: 559: 239: 229: 204: 189: 159: 149: 104: 99: 8171: 7331: 7309: 7279: 7219: 6751: 6186: 5482: 4623: 4461: 4459: 10601: 10526: 10346: 10149: 9855: 9780: 9750: 9608: 9582: 9427: 8207: 6273:"The Department of Justice and Equality: Government announces wording for Marriage Equality referendum" 4838: 2713: 2544: 1579: 1425: 747: 706: 519: 514: 457: 224: 184: 109: 7181: 7151: 7121: 6424: 5994: 3723: 3648: 2801:

as homosexual, while 60% felt the recent civil partnership legislation was not an attack on marriage.

1070:

on 24 January 2006. It recommended no change to the constitutional definitions, as it expected such a

10709: 10164: 7838: 7794: 6807: 4456: 4263: 3864: 3842: 3437: 2767: 1934:

Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.

1455: 1350:

their relationship status, as there is no automatic conversion from a civil partnership to marriage.

773: 702: 395: 124: 8891: 7419: 7386: 6946:"Both parents in some female same-sex relationships can now be named on a child's birth certificate" 4912: 4746:"S.I. No. 490/2013 – Civil Partnership (Recognition of Registered Foreign Relationships) Order 2013" 4714:"S.I. No. 505/2012 – Civil Partnership (Recognition of Registered Foreign Relationships) Order 2012" 4682:"S.I. No. 642/2011 – Civil Partnership (Recognition of Registered Foreign Relationships) Order 2011" 4650:"S.I. No. 649/2010 – Civil Partnership (Recognition of Registered Foreign Relationships) Order 2010" 2512:

Figures for 2020 are much lower than previous years because of the restrictions in place due to the

9566: 9502: 9312: 5431:"Civil Partnership Bill 2009: Second Stage. – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Thursday, 3 December 2009" 1473: 850: 9265: 8126: 5854: 5430: 5017: 9352: 9347: 3564: 3289: 1833: 1770: 1766: 1030: 889: 8064: 7758: 6511: 2872:

Opinion polls on issue of same-sex marriage or voting intention in the 2015 marriage referendum

8071: 3598: 2740: 2529: 2525: 1829: 1512: 1370:

states the criteria used to govern which classes of relationships can be recognised. They are:

955:

couples, up from 77,000 in 2002. This included 4,042 in same-sex relationships, up from 1,300.

948: 554: 9116: 8989: 8683: 6076: 5160:"The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform: General Scheme of Civil Partnership Bill" 968:

In December 2000, as part of the Second Programme of Law Reform, the government requested the

896:

is recognised irrespective of the sex of the partners. The measure was signed into law by the

736:

Inheritance, guardianship rights, and residency rights for foreign spouses of legal residents.

9993: 9601: 8158: 4947: 3345: 2736: 1947: 1598: 1528: 1392: 8766: 6919: 6777: 4186: 3917: 1797:

to discuss proposed amendments to the Constitution of Ireland, including plans to introduce

1769:

had always meant for marriage to be between a man and a woman. The case was appealed to the

9517: 8251: 5316: 2747:, produced policies or made statements in favour of varying forms of recognition. In 2004, 1758: 1603: 1388: 897: 635: 564: 42: 4550: 4497: 2613:

also subscribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith and its definition of marriage. The

1591: 1033:. In October 2004, it invited submissions on the articles related to the family. Chairman 29:"Same-sex marriage in Ireland" redirects here. For the situation in Northern Ireland, see 8: 9471: 9336: 8823: 5974: 5073: 4973: 2864: 1754: 1127:(GLEN), the gay rights lobby organisation, which said they expected a recommendation for 1097:

to provide options for government consideration. This announcement came on the day after

881: 8024: 7874: 7503: 5018:"Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage. – Dáil Éireann (29th Dáil) –Tuesday, 20 Feb 2007" 3755: 1938:

In March 2015, the Department of Justice and Equality published the general scheme of a

1311:, gave same-sex couples rights and responsibilities similar, but not equal to, those of 1209: 1013:

due to concerns that such a proposal might violate the constitutional protection of the

943:, gave same-sex couples rights and responsibilities similar, but not equal, to those of 9561: 8837:"Eurobarometer on Discrimination 2019: The social acceptance of LGBTI people in the EU" 5051: 4718: 4686: 4654: 2589: 2574: 2553: 2143: 1347: 1034: 1018: 901: 9285: 9234: 8866: 8750: 6535:"Court of Appeal dismisses two challenges against Same Sex Marriage Referendum result" 6246: 4713: 4681: 4649: 3674: 9435: 9410: 9102: 8515:"Yes to gay marriage and premarital sex: a nation strips off its conservative values" 8401: 7964: 7654: 7550: 7451: 7360: 2759:

and the Green Party supporting civil marriage. All parties ran advertisements in the

2717: 2706: 2626: 2171: 2151: 2066: 1939: 1802: 1798: 1750: 1468: 1417: 1060: 1056: 910: 877: 574: 64: 8598:"Report on Reasons Behind Voter Behaviour in the Oireachtas Inquiry Referendum 2011" 8038: 6519: 5282: 2150:. The commencement order was signed by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, 1952: 1477: 1253:¹ May include recent laws or court decisions that have not yet entered into effect. 8428: 7856: 6778:"Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016:...: 30 Nov 2016: Dáil debates (KildareStreet.com)" 5622: 5364: 4987: 4882: 4752: 4624:"Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (S5)" 3994: 3708: 3299: 2806: 2638:

passed a motion calling on the Church of Ireland to permit same-sex blessings. The

2271: 2267: 2251: 2239: 2111: 1360: 1102: 697: 9304: 7994: 7808: 5468: 5252: 4120: 2755:, the manifestos of all parties supported civil unions for same-sex couples, with 9214: 8962: 8819: 8796: 8773: 8176: 7044: 7011: 6897: 6564: 6397: 6272: 6216: 5981: 5487: 5403: 5313:"Press releases » Media centre » The Labour Party on Same Sex Marriage" 5225: 5193: 4596: 4564: 3410: 2991: 2793: 2701: 2283: 2263: 2227: 2195: 1561: 7898: 7728: 7688: 6217:"Minister Fitzgerald signs order for commencement of landmark family law reform" 2728:

magazine and LGBT Noise began specifically campaigning for recognition in 2006.

1532: 1161:"MarriagEquality" supporting same-sex marriage in Ireland at a demonstration in 1117: 10025: 9522: 8595: 7938: 7776: 3860: 3318: 3276: 2279: 2215: 2211: 2207: 2199: 2162: 2093: 2081: 1508: 1377:

the relationship is permanent unless the parties dissolve it through the courts

1312: 1301: 1289: 1128: 944: 9593: 9242:"Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010" 7637:"Two dioceses back call for same-sex marriage rites for the Church of Ireland" 6752:"New adoption bill published in Ireland gives same-sex couples right to adopt" 5365:"Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010" 4153: 2771: 2654: 1977: 1858: 1551: 10752: 9208:

58 per cent say they will vote for Irish same sex marriage 25 per cent oppose

9059: 8100: 7920: 7702: 7364: 5897: 5871: 5823: 5797: 4804: 4215: 4053: 3968: 3942: 3323:

Féadfaidh beirt, gan beann ar a ngnéas, conradh pósta a dhéanamh de réir dlí.

2923: 2860: 2844: 2533: 2275: 2231: 2203: 2187: 1606: 1088: 9396: