The first same-sex civil partnership will be held in the Republic of Ireland within months, it has emerged.
A
new law legally recognising gay couples comes into effect on January 1,
securing a range of rights over shared homes, maintenance payments and
pensions.
But as parties have to give three months' notice to registrars the first ceremony is expected to be in April.
Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said the new legal regime reflects the many forms of relationships in modern Irish society.
"Gay
couples, whose relationships have not previously been given legal
recognition by the State, may now formalise their relationships in the
eyes of the law and society at large," he said.
"Their
relationships will be legally recognised and protected. Persons in
committed gay relationships who wish to share duties and
responsibilities now have the choice to register their partnership and
become part of a legal regime that fully protects them in the course of
that partnership and, if necessary, on its termination."
The Gay
and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) paid tribute to Mr Ahern for his
leadership, determination and principled approach to the bringing this
legislation to fruition.
Kieran Rose, chair, added: "With this signing,
the Minister is opening up a great and wide vista of futures,
opportunities, celebrations and more secure futures for lesbian and gay
couples."
The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations
of Cohabitants Act 2010 was enacted last July, but its commencement
order was signed by Mr Ahern.
The Department of Justice said while
couples must give three months' notice to registrars, a court order to
waive the notice period for exceptional reasons, like in the event of
serious illness, can be obtained.
On registration of a civil
partnership, the couple will be treated in the same way as spouses under
the tax and social welfare codes.
The changes required to introduce civil partnership into the tax and social welfare codes also come into effect from January 1.
SIC: BT/UK