Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I rise to add my voice of support for the two amendments under discussion. While I acknowledge it is unlikely the Minister will accept these amendments, this issue should be reconsidered. These amendments encompass what this historic day is all about. It is about acknowledging and recognising same-sex families. They are families. I have listened to the debate with interest.

Some of the derogatory comments made earlier were unhelpful. I mention in particular the reference to some children and those in civil partnerships as foxes and hens, which was despicable. We were all children-----