Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute on the Bill. While it is technical in nature, it is significant and means much to many people. Last May's marriage equality referendum was a defining moment in the history of our country. It brought people together in a way that we had not seen in many years. Overall, there was a positive atmosphere across every party in this Chamber, testament to how strongly people felt about ensuring equality for all couples regardless of gender. I was more than delighted to see the referendum pass with resounding support from 62% of those who turned out to vote. In my constituency of Dublin South Central, the "Yes" vote won out at 72.3%.

The referendum amended Article 41 of the Constitution to read: "Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex." Not distinguishing between people's preferences or whom they love is what this Bill is all about.

When canvassing in the inner city in my constituency on Christmas week a number of years ago, I met a somewhat older gentleman who asked me into his home. He told me about his partner, who had just passed away after a massive heart attack. He had been with his partner for 37 years, but when the time came for the machine to be turned off at the hospital bed, he was not allowed to make that decision because he had no rights over the man whom he had loved for 37 years. I remember that moment well because there was a newspaper article a couple of weeks later about the same gentleman. He was a top clothes designer, which I did not know at the time. His relationship with his partner had brought him the most unbelievable love he had ever felt. He had been able to live with someone whom he loved and cherished, but on occasion had not been able to be open about it, even with his family. This struck a chord with me. How could this man who loved someone so much not have the opportunity to make decisions on his partner's behalf when he was passing away?

For all of these reasons, this Bill is one of the most important measures that I have seen pass through the Chamber in the short time I have been a Member. It recognises the fact that people, regardless of their gender, can love each other, commit to each other and, above all, be open with each other and their families and friends without hiding behind closed doors.

4 o’clock

I could speak technically about the Bill but there is not time. Next year, my husband, Joe, and I will have been married for 40 years. It seems a lifetime away now. When one thinks of 40 years, I was only a young one myself and trying to be persuaded by my parents not to get married at 20 was difficult even then but anyway, we shot ahead and got married. We have had our good times and bad times and our struggles with our children but in 1976, we had a choice. We had the right to make that choice, even though we were only in our early 20s. We made that choice to love each other openly, without hiding away our love from each other, to be committed to each other, our families and our friends and not to be shunned. Sadly, thousands of people across Ireland have waited so long for this moment to happen. Unfortunately, in the past church and State were not opened - in the church, it probably still is not open - to much of what has happened in recent years in Ireland. However, I believe it is the right thing.

I believe the passing of the Civil Partnership Act 2010 has created a major chance and opportunity for those people to begin a new life and to see a new way of life for them as well. I believe this is for the better for everyone who believes in what is known as equality in love. We live in a changing world and on a daily basis, one sees people's lives being changed forever through illness, war and discrimination. As a parent, I seek a world in which my children and my grandchildren can be respected for who they are, not what they are.

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