Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

Today's debate brings to mind a meeting of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party, when the Leas-Chathaoirleach and I were at the vanguard in supporting the civil partnership legislation. While the legalisation of homosexuality was introduced in 1993 on foot of Senator Norris's legal action, it is a point of pride for us that our party implemented it and introduced the civil partnership Bill. We have been criticised in some quarters of the media for attempting to portray Fianna Fáil as a new liberal party, but I suggest we are doing what we have always done, which is to try to be at the vanguard of social change and to recognise all forms of human and family life in society.

Regardless of opinion, it is important to recognise that dissenting voices are entitled to be heard. I do not agree with other people on everything. I am sometimes conflicted on the issue of marriage equality. When I sit around the table at meetings of Ógra Fianna Fáil - I am 34 and I am the chairman - I am often the only person with even slight reservations about marriage equality. On such occasions, it strikes me that we need to bring the main party policy on the matter into line with that of Ógra Fianna Fáil, which is that full marriage equality should be provided for.

Many of us have been on journeys as we have considered our position on this issue. Mr. Justice Kennedy of the US Supreme Court was here a few weeks ago. His journey on this issue was instrumental in striking down anti-sodomy laws in the United States. He was part of the majority that retained these laws in the 1980s. I do not know if Senator Zappone mentioned that because I did not listen to the entire debate. He changed his mind on the issue in the context of a more recent US Supreme Court case. That allowed the US to bring its laws forward after being about 20 years behind us. Obviously, the practice was not uniform throughout the US.

The Irish people have been on a journey with regard to this issue. They are becoming much more liberal in this respect. They are much more cognisant of those around them. As we have a more open society now, people do not hide matters and are not as afraid to "come out". People throughout the country see their own family members entering into relationships and have no difficulty with it. Society has changed and is changing. It might not be ready for marriage equality yet, but that issue will undoubtedly be brought to the fore. When my colleague, Senator Power, advocated full marriage equality last week, it caused some controversy within Fianna Fáil, in the media and among other representative groups. She is entitled to her opinion, an opinion which is becoming more and more the norm.

The only logical answer I can give those who argue that we must stop at civil partnership, and go no further, is to say that marriage equality would not endanger family life or marriage. I see no threat to my family from someone else being allowed to enter into a relationship and to secure for it the same status as my relationship. My view is that it has nothing to do with my family. I suggest to those who constantly make the point that marriage equality would pose some serious threat to family life that we should provide more practical supports to all families through the tax code. People with children need general practical help and support to help them to overcome their difficulties. Some people suggest that we can protect families by preventing the liberalisation of laws and the introduction of marriage equality. They forget about the real problems and common struggles faced by ordinary families - gay couples or homosexual couples, with or without children - on a daily basis.

Fianna Fáil is proud to say this Bill was part of its budgetary plans in the aftermath of the passing of the civil partnership Bill. There was dissent in my party and in Fine Gael when that legislation was being considered. Some members of Fine Gael expressed their dissent to me. They are entitled to their views. The measure before the House this afternoon was provided for in the last Fianna Fáil budget. Its introduction was delayed because the Green Party decided to pull out of government. It is being passed now, thank God, and is supported by Fianna Fáil.