Constitutional convention to debate same-sex marriage

The constitutional convention will debate the issue of same-sex marriage at a meeting this weekend.

The 100 members of the convention, comprising 33 politicians and 66 citizens, will hear from legal experts on the issue, as well as representatives from churches, human rights groups and advocacy groups in favour and against extending marriage rights to same-sex couples.

The members will then discuss the issue among themselves before a vote tomorrow. The results of the ballot will be sent as a recommendation to the Government to be debated in the Oireachtas.

More than 1,000 submissions have been received from advocacy groups and individuals on the issue, the most for any convention topic so far.

The constitutional convention meeting is being held at the Grand Hotel in Malahide.

Same-sex marriage is permitted in 11 countries, and is up for discussion in many more, including the US and France.