David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I mention this particularly in the light of the courageous announcement of the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, that he is gay. It would be astonishing if this right to marry were denied to a member of the Cabinet.
I also very much welcome the fact that the Government is introducing legislation governing adoption and children's rights. This was the major defect of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, and it is now being amended, as the then Government promised. That is very good. I would also say that this legislation deals with a far wider group of people than gay people who wish to adopt their own children, which is obvious daylight common sense. It also deals with, for example, the question of children born as a result of in vitrofertilisation. Those children have their rights too. These are matters of human rights and people should not get upset and into a dander over them. It is merely recognising the human rights of Irish citizens.
I also welcome that today we will discuss the Gender Recognition Bill 2014. I compliment my colleague Senator Zappone on organising a briefing for Members of the Oireachtas today. I welcome very much that this legislation is being introduced in Seanad Éireann - another proof of the value of Seanad Éireann. I hope the Government will listen attentively to the debate here, because the Bill, although it is a remarkable advance, raises three specific questions. The first is the astonishing requirement that people should be divorced.