Labour publishes Civil Registration (Marriage Equality) Bill
On 19 March, the Labour Party published the Civil Registration (Marriage Equality) Bill. The Bill seeks to amend the Civil Registration Act 2004 and remove a specific clause which explicitly forbids same-sex couples from availing of a full civil marriage. This simple amendment will remove the statutory bar which prevents same-sex couples getting married.
Marriage Equality Director, Moninne Griffith, welcomed the launch of the new draft Bill. She noted that the Bill could be introduced to Government after Easter and coupled with the upcoming Constitutional Convention. The Convention is due to examine the issue of same-sex marriage at a hearing next month.
Bulletin readers will remember that the Labour Party last week pioneered legislation aimed at removing inequalities in employment. This legislation seeks to protect LGBT employees, single parents and others who currently face discrimination in religious-run, or controlled, schools or hospitals.
Click here to read an article from thejournal.ie on the draft Civil Registration (Marriage Equality) Bill and here to read an article from the Human Rights in Ireland blog.
Click here to read a Marriage Equality press release and here to read a Labour Party press release.
Click here to read Marriage Equality’s submission to the Constitutional Convention
US Supreme Court hears oral arguments in marriage equality debate
Meanwhile in international news, issues surrounding same-sex marriage remain controversial throughout the US.
The US Supreme Court is currently hearing oral arguments in two cases concerning same-sex marriage. In Hollingsworth v. Perry, the Court will examine the validity of Proposition 8, a California referendum that revoked same-sex marriage rights. In United States v. Windsor the Court will examine the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defence of Marriage Act.
Click here to read an RTE news article on the case, here to read a Washington post article and here to read a Guardian article and here to read a Guardian article.
In other US news, on 12 March, Colorado law makers voted in favour of a Bill to legalise civil unions for same-sex couples. The legislation explicitly provides same-sex couples with many of the benefits held by married couples, including dependent insurance coverage and the ability to adopt a partner's child.
Same-sex marriage is currently legal in nine US states, as well as the District of Columbia. Last month the Illinois Senate approved same-sex marriage legislation. In January, Rhode Island lawmakers approved a same-sex marriage Bill.
Click here to read a Jurist article
Same-sex marriage consultation in Scotland closes
Meanwhile in Scotland, the public consultation on the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill (Scotland) closed last week. The Bill would legalise gay marriage, with religious belief bodies required to opt in to perform same-sex marriages. Along with protecting religious freedom, the consultation looked at how religious and civil partnership ceremonies could be joined by a new category covering ceremonies performed by organisations that promote a non-religious belief. The Free Church of Scotland claims that this third category could pave the way for Star Wars Jedi marriages.
The Scottish Government has been gathering views since December and will consider and respond to submissions in due course.
Click here to read a Glasgow Evening Times article on the consultation.