John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I support the recent remarks of the Archbishop of Dublin, Most ReverendDiarmuid Martin, who stated:

I recognise that there are many different kinds of caring relationships and these often create dependencies for those involved. The State may feel in justice that the rights of people in these relationships must be protected. Not only would this approach be more fair, it would also make political sense. For, if significant social change is to take place, it needs to have a fairly broad measure of support across society. We should try for a consensus approach.

This Bill does not satisfy the requirements as set down by the Archbishop.

Before I go any further, I observe that the word "homophobic" has been used in reference to some Government Members. I am proud of the record of this side of the House. In 1989, it was a Government comprising Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats which steered through the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, which made it an offence to publish or distribute material or use words or behaviour that are threatening, abusive or insulting, and are intended or likely to stir up hatred against a group or persons on account of a number of specific grounds including sexual orientation.