The Constitutional Convention – a government-founded think tank
– received over 1,000 submissions in April of this year both in favour
and against the proposed legislation.
Catholic bishops of Ireland, in
a detailed submission, warned that the church “could no longer carry
out the civil element” of marriage should there be any change to the
legal definition of marriage.
An
overwhelming 79% of the Constitutional Convention members voted in
support of the constitutional amendment, 19% against, with the remainder
having no opinion.
The Gay
and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN), which has strongly advocated
rights to marriage for gay people, hosted the event at which Mr Gilmore
made his announcement.
The
Director of GLEN, Brian Sheehan, said he is delighted with the
Tánaiste’s statement.
He appears confident that the referendum will
pass.
“The Tánaiste’s statement was a very welcome indicator of the next step in progress for …full constitutional equality for lesbian and gay couples and families.”
Taoiseach
Enda Kenny has not, as of yet, made his view on gay marriage known,
however it is not expected that he will attempt to hinder the
referendum.
Mr. Gilmore reported that,
“realistically”, the referendum will go ahead next year, after the
government has reviewed the Constitutional Convention’s report.
The proposed legislation regarding gay marriage is likely to be put alongside votes on other issues recommended by the Constitutional Convention, including decreasing the voting age to 16.