Civil unions in Ireland - Definition and Overview

The Republic of Ireland does not recognize same sex marriage or civil unions and neither is there currently any kind of provision for unmarried cohabiting couples, homosexual or indeed heterosexual.

Precisely that absence of legal protection for cohabiting couples of any sexual orientation has recently (as of 2004) been suggested to be addressed. The Law Reform Commission of Ireland has thus recommended granting both heterosexual and homosexual cohabiting couples a number of legal rights and this proposal is currently being discussed. If enacted into law, it would effectively result in the creation of a legal category akin to civil unions, as an option for couples regardless of sexual orientation (though the term civil union may not be used).

Relevant links:

• a news report (http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0427/cohabitation.html) at rte.ie
• a related Prime Time programme (http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0506/primetime.html) (Real player required for viewing the reports)

However Senator David Norris (Gay Irish Senator) is to publish his Partnership Bill at the end of January 2005. The Private Members Bill on civil unions is to be published by independent Senator David Norris in January 2005. 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 lies outside the formalities of marriage and who also need to be "supported in the creation of mature stable relationships."

The Partnership Bill is broadly supported by the political parties of the Irish parliament.

If the government attempts to obstruct the Partnership Bill, Senator Norris has pledged that he will take Ireland to the European Court of Human Rights AGAIN.

Example Usage of Ireland