Monday, October 29, 2007

Irish lawmakers to move forward on civil-union proposal

Ireland's Labour Party has announced plans to re-introduce legislation that would establish civil-union recognition for same-sex couples.

The Labour proposal, to be brought before the Dáil (parliament) next week, would provide same-sex couples with the same legal and financial benefits as traditional marriage.

Similar legislation was introduced early this year, but after debating the measure the Dáil agreed to postpone further action for 6 months at the request of the government.

In announcing plans to revive the legislation, the Labour Party called attention to the support the proposal had received from Ireland's major political parties, noting that those who had sought immediate approval for the bill earlier this year now constitute a majority in the Dáil.

Labour officials also took note of the government's promise to allow early consideration of the measure.

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern announced in July that his government "is committed to providing a more supportive and secure legal environment for same-sex couples."

Ahern said that legislation allowing for recognition of civil partnerships would be introduced "at the earliest possible date." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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