John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)

I will be brief, but my points will be succinct and important. I have only chosen to contribute to this debate because I am one of two openly gay Deputies - I thank the Sun and so on - and could be criticised either way, that is, I could be criticised if I do not say anything or even if I do. The progress made in respect of civil partnership reflects the profound social changes in our society. In 1993 or 1994 people like me technically could have been locked up for being gay. It is brilliant that we have moved on. Many outside the House feel the same way.

I welcome the discussion on the Bill, particularly during pride week, which is about celebrating and being proud of who one is as a person. Tomorrow I will open a pride event, an open air gig in the Reco, the local youth facility in Ballymun. In 2011 it is great that a Deputy has been asked to attend a pride event, in this case an open air concert, organised by a young people's institution. This says something about how society is advancing in many corners, which is to be welcomed.

I am not advertising what I am doing this week, but I will be on the Labour Party bus in Saturday's pride parade. Everyone I will meet at tomorrow's pride gig in Ballymun and on Saturday will be pleased when I relay the heartening words spoken in the Chamber about the Bill. The cross-party support received is also heartening and I hope it will continue in dealing with further issues relating to same sex couples.

The Bill and the civil partnership Act 2010 are part of a process of addressing an issue of inequality that, having manifested itself in society in many ways, is being consigned to history. The changes in legislation and to the tax code are official recognition of the great change our society has undergone in recent years. It is official recognition of the many years of work of a host of people who have sought a more equitable and inclusive society.

The Bill is important in that it will ensure civil partners will receive the same treatment as married couples in tax matters. It provides for tax relief for the children of civil partners, including on inheritances, gifts and stamp duty. Perhaps more importantly, it contains measures, whereby a child whose parents are in a civil partnership will be treated the same for tax purposes as a child of a married couple. The tax changes, coupled with the recognition given in the civil partnership Act, will give couples in loving relationships certainty and security by recognising their commitment to each other. This is a progressive society and we all benefit from greater equality. The Bill and the progress it recognises make a statement about our values and how we recognise diversity in society.

I will conclude on a point I found helpful. Just after being elected and following mainly positive stories run by a couple of newspapers concerning me and a fellow Deputy, I received nothing but positive responses. One written response came from a middle-aged gentleman in Kimmage or Crumlin whom I did not know. I did not realise the impact of the two articles until I started to receive letters in response. One of the gentleman's comments was that, because of me, many around the country were walking taller that day. The Bill allows many people to walk taller, to feel equal and valued as first class citizens. I look forward to other developments in this regard.

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