Shane Ross (Independent)

I support it. I have no hesitation in saying I will be voting in favour of the civil partnership Bill and have no problems with it. However, like Senators Quinn and Mullen I cannot understand why there should be a whip on this Bill. Particularly in this House it is important that we show respect for people on the other side of the argument and recognise the very strong feelings in all parties. In addition we should recognise that it will not threaten the Government if the Bill is defeated. It is simply a matter of giving a free vote to people on issues of very strong importance to them. I do not restrict this to the civil partnership Bill. We should have far more free votes in this House. The reality is that even if we defeat a Bill it will merely have a delaying effect. However, it would give rise to a more genuine debate if people were allowed not only to vote as they wish, but also to speak as they wish. The result of people being forced into the lobbies to vote one way or the other on the issue means it is very difficult for them to speak one way and talk the other because they are hypocrites. I know perfectly well that today people will speak on one side - possibly not believing it - because they are under pressure to do that. To relieve that pressure all parties should allow their Members to speak their mind, vote accordingly and let democracy take its course. The Government is not threatened by this at all. It would be healthy and would show respect for this House, which is a less political House, if we allowed the proposal made by Senators Quinn and Mullen and me to go through.