Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I spoke earlier on Second Stage and said the reason I supported this Bill, subject I hope to certain amendments, was because of the loneliness of those who had been left behind by our legislation in the past. The fact we did not have divorce, contraceptive legislation or legislation in regard to homosexuality meant there were some very lonely people. I believe that loneliness very often led to suicide and we did not have steps to protect us from that. I mention that because it is important we pass legislation which closes those gaps in society. We have closed most of those gaps in recent years, or perhaps opened them might be the word. I want to give that opportunity to those who have been left behind by what I would call the legislation which put a stigma on homosexuality.

Given the answer these Houses found, namely, civil partnership which was acceptable to all sides, I felt the legislation was certainly going in the right direction. These amendments pinpoint very clearly that the intention of this legislation is to have civil partnership and not a full marriage. All these amendments do is ensure and emphasise that is the intention. They are worthy of consideration and should be accepted.