On 31 December 2012, the government extended Irish civil partnership legislation to recognise same-sex marriage in Denmark and Washington State as well as civil unions in Delaware and Hawaii.
The Programme for Government pledged regular updates to civil partnership legislation and this order is in keeping with that pledge. 43 forms of marriage or civil partnership of lesbian and gay couples from 35 jurisdictions are recognised in Ireland at present and these couples are conferred with the same rights and entitlements as Irish civil partnerships.
Minister Shatter said "It is important that same-sex couples who register their relationships in other jurisdictions enjoy the recognition and benefits of the Irish civil partnership legislation, on their return or relocation to Ireland. As the legislative landscape continues to change internationally, this measure ensures that Ireland remains up to date in this regard and that such registered partners are afforded the full protection of the law."
The civil partnership legislation entitles couples to shared property, pensions and inheritance rights. Due to the evolving nature of civil partnership and marriage legislation internationally, it is essential that the Irish legislature continues to update Irish legislation at the current pace. November 2012 saw the approval of same-sex marriage in three US states - Washington State, Maryland and Maine. It is expected that further orders will allow for the recognition of same-sex marriages in all of these US States in Ireland by the end of 2013.
Click here to read a press release from the Department of Justice and Equality