Registered relationships entered into by same-sex couples in 32 jurisdictions will be treated as equivalent to civil partnership under Irish law, Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has announced.
An initial order under section 5 of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 was made last year. A new order, effective from Christmas Day, will mean the law will also apply to marriages from New York, domestic partnerships from Oregon, civil unions from Rhode Island and Illinois, and civil partnerships from South Africa and the Isle of Man, for instance.
“This order shows the Government’s commitment to ensuring that same-sex couples who register their relationships in other jurisdictions may enjoy the full protections and benefits of the civil partnership legislation,” Mr Shatter said. The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network welcomed the move. Chairman Kieran Rose said: “It’s the best Christmas present for many lesbian and gay couples who will now have their partnerships legally recognised in Ireland.”