Humanists condemn marriage reform Bill

The Association of Irish Humanists has said the Civil Registration Bill, presented to the Dáil last week by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Coughlan, "reflects yet again the disdain that vested interests in our society and institutions still harbour towards our community".

"Ireland's largest ethical minority has yet to be treated with respect in our Republic," said spokesman Mr Dick Spicer. The reform of marriage regulations outlined in the Bill "was proposed as legislation which would respect the rights of non-religious and religious bodies equally," he said.

"All reference to solemnisers being nominated by any but religious bodies was dropped from the final draft as it went to the Dáil. It is hard to see how those skilled at drafting legislation could not come up with wording to accommodate the non-religious community as represented by the Humanist Association," he said.

"We are deeply shocked at the duplicity of the final outcome. Minister Coughlan has either been misled by officials or is playing loose with words."