Dáil debates

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

Civil Partnership Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed)

 

3:00 am

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

Another issue arises in respect of civil partnership, which appears to be much easier to dissolve than a conventional civil marriage, the reason for which I do not understand. If the argument is that civil partnership is necessary to recognise and give legal status to long-term same sex relationships, why should it be any easier to dissolve than civil marriage? If it is the case that we are saying that this institution is therefore lesser than marriage, which is what section 108 effectively states, then why should opposite sex couples not be able to avail of marriage light, which is essentially what is being proposed if that section stands. Section 170 deals with the cohabitation issue. If I am correct, cohabitation arises after two years. I am comfortable with that. Two years is not a long time for people to be cohabiting for all sorts of reasons as outlined earlier. I believe we should perhaps provide a lengthier period in this regard.

Fine Gael supports this Bill for the reasons outlined, namely, there are many long-term loving relationships involving same sex couples which deserve the protection of law, which this Bill seeks to do. I stand over my concerns as outlined and look forward to hearing the Minister's response to the Second Stage debate.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.