Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern (pictured) has said that the passage of the Civil Partnership Bill is the mark of a Christian society. Speaking at the launch of the publication by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) of the Seanad debates on the Bill, Mr Ahern said that the passage of the legislation was, “the epitome of a Christian and pluralist society.”
Some of the objections to the Bill, he said, were the antithesis of being Christian.
However, a series of Christian leaders, including the Catholic bishops, a number of senior Church of Ireland bishops and over 30 evangelical Christian pastors made their opposition to the Bill known.
Representations on behalf of Christian Churches, with the aim of obtaining a conscience opt-out at a minimum, were made to the Department of Justice, but these were repeatedly rebuffed by the Minister.
In addition, Fine Gael TD, Seymour Crawford, a Presbyterian, said he had been contacted by Christians of all denominations who were opposed to various aspects of the Bill.
On a number of occasions, Minister Ahern said that he left his religion at the door when he legislated and that religion should not ‘cloud’ the judgment of politicians.
Mr Ahern said that the passage of the Bill showed how Irish society has changed for the better.
“It was a good day for the Oireachtas and indeed it was a good day for Irish society generally,” Mr Ahern said.
He also suggested that there is no ideal family structure.
“I think we all have to live with each other as best we can. Of course people would like the ideal - as they regard their own definition of what ideal is - but we have to deal with reality.”
The 38 speeches in favour of the Bill, made over two days, were published by GLEN, “to celebrate and mark what is a historic law reform for lesbian, gay and bisexual people”, according GLEN chairman, Kieran Rose.
The Bill, approved by the Seanad by 48 votes to four, will give same-sex couples almost all the rights of married couples.
While four senators voted against the Bill, Mr Ahern said he didn’t think he had ever seen so much agreement on any subject he had brought before the Oireachtas.
“But again I think that shows the maturity of how our society has changed fairly dramatically.”
According to The Irish Times, Mr Ahern said the Government was now keen to bring forward the necessary legislation in the social welfare and taxation areas as quickly as possible.
“We want this Bill to commence when those pieces of legislation are in place so that everything just kicks in at the one time.”
He said this work was going on as he spoke, and the social welfare legislation was almost finalised.
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