Ivana Bacik (Independent)

The Labour Party is also opposed to the amendment. It is clear that civil partnership is not marriage. The Labour Party has been critical of the Bill because it is of the view that it does not create a status that is close enough to equality or marriage. However, we support the concept of civil partnership as an advance. It is only now that the many people who were involved in loving and committed relationships for a long period will obtain legal recognition from the State in respect of those relationships. It is a shame that there are those who are seeking to restrict the Title of the Bill so that it will, as it nears its entry into law, only refer to partnership and non-marital relationships. That is mean-minded and mean-spirited and is not in keeping with the generous and progressive nature of the legislation.

Even though the Labour Party believes the Bill does not go far enough, we are of the view that it is generous and progressive. This legislation represents an enormous step forward not just for the members of the gay community in Irish society but for all citizens. It marks a step up in maturity and a move towards a more inclusive and more tolerant Irish republic. As a republican, I am of the view that even as we criticise the Bill for not going far enough, we should support it to the fullest extent possible. Seeking to restrict it further is something neither I nor my party could support.