Call for full equality by same-sex couple

A same-sex couple calling for an amendment to the Civil Registration Act to extend marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples say they are seeking equality rather than special treatment.

Paul Kenny and Mark McCarran have been in a relationship for almost three years, and while they are happy together, the couple still want an opportunity to have the same rights as their heterosexual friends.

"On a personal note we are happy, but our relationship does face some problems. For instance, we can't plan too strongly for the future because we can't marry, which makes us feel different to our straight friends.

"The issue of same-sex marriage is really a matter of respect. We are in a relationship and we are contributing to society, not just as individuals but also as a couple and I feel our relationship should be respected and acknowledged by both the Government and society," Mr Kenny said.

The delay in addressing the issue of gay marriage has prompted dozens of Irish gay couples to travel to the UK, Canada and other jurisdictions to avail of legal recognition of their relationships.

However, when they return home their union does not entitle the newlyweds to an improved legal standing.

At present in Ireland, members of same-sex partnerships are excluded from making any decisions relating to the medical care of their partner in the event of illness or death. Also, same-sex couples with children are not protected by the Constitution and the children of gay families have no legal relationship with their non-biological parent.

The Government has proposed the introduction of legislation on civil partnerships, the draft of which is expected by the end of March. However, for Mr Kenny, anything but full equality is simply not good enough.

"The introduction of civil partnership would codify that gay people are still on the outside of society and I personally think we have been on the outside for long enough and it is time for this to change.

"If the Government does introduce this diluted form of what we want it will sort out short term problems, but it will only be a stepping stone to full equality in the future.

"We now have a chance to get the legislation right here in Ireland at the first time of asking, just like they did in Spain, Holland and Belgium," he said.