FF party meets over Partnership Bill

Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern is due to meet Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators concerned about the Civil Partnership Bill before it is introduced to the Dáil later today.

The proposed legislation would convey civil status on the registered partnerships of cohabiting heterosexual and same-sex couples.

Attempts have been made to resolve differences within Fianna Fáil on the Bill and this morning’s meeting has been organised by Wexford TD Seán Connick, chairman of the party’s justice policy committee.

The Greens’ justice spokesman, Ciarán Cuffe, has said he was firmly opposed to a “freedom of conscience” amendment, understood to be favoured by some within the party’s Coalition partners, Fianna Fáil. “I’m aware of calls for a ‘freedom of conscience’ amendment to be stitched into the legislation to give people a religious ‘opt-out’ in providing everyday goods and services to gay couples,” Mr Cuffe said.

Mr Cuffe described the Bill as a key legislative priority for the Greens in Government.

Fianna Fáil Senator Jim Walsh has said “freedom of conscience for people must be recognised and allowed for”, while Dublin South East TD Chris Andrews has said he hoped the Bill would be passed without amendments.