Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

No, it was not Queen but King. "Love" and "pride" are the words I have heard more than any other. "Pride" is a word associated with the gay community. "Love" is also a very important word but is not something which can be legislated for, as previous speakers said. We are recognising people's right to feel love for each other and to find a way at last of enjoying a legal partnership. It is a legal, not a religious or spiritual partnership. Whatever happens, I hope all Senators will come to recognise that this is a very important Bill which we will accept and move on. I have examined it and the dissolution of a civil partnership and divorce are not the same. There is a difference between civil partnership and marriage; they are not the same in the terms of the rights given. As Senator Boyle said, this Bill is a stepping stone. I would like to see us move towards a situation where society will move towards recognising gay marriage. That will be a matter for the people to decide, not the Seanad. When they are ready to decide, they will do so.

With love and pride I stand here as a proud Irishman and commend the Minister for bringing the Bill before the House. I look forward to the outcome of the votes later.