Eoin Hayes (Dublin Bay South, Social Democrats)

Ten years ago this country proudly affirmed marriage equality through a referendum. The LGBTQI+ community in the United States also won equal marriage rights in that same year. I have been deeply concerned by the rising anti-LGBTQI+ sentiment there and elsewhere. One couple in my constituency were married in the United States and are particularly worried that if a state or US court invalidates their marriage they may lose legal recognition or protections in Ireland or in other countries. What happens to those couples if those marriages are deemed void by the state which granted them? Could I get assurances from the Taoiseach and the Attorney General that marriage equality will be upheld here in all circumstances and that the Government will ensure Ireland will be a safe haven for all, even if threatened elsewhere? What else is the Government doing to protect the rights of the LGBTQI+ community here and abroad?

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