Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I strongly welcome the publication yesterday of the referendum wording for the marriage equality referendum by the Government. It was an historic day to see the straightforward clear and concise wording put forward. It received an almost universal welcome, certainly from across the political spectrum, and also in a joint press release from the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and Marriage Equality. Those three NGOs, which have been to the fore in campaigning for marriage equality, have very much welcomed this wording. Hopefully, it will be passed in May. Many of us will work very hard to ensure that it is and we very much hope it will be. If passed, it will lead to full equality for all our people. I look forward to the debate on that in this House and I strongly welcome the wording.

Yesterday we also had a historic day with the introduction of the Gender Recognition Bill in the Seanad, an important step forward for recognition of transgender and intersex persons in Ireland.

Many of us welcome the fact that the Tánaiste decided to initiate the Bill here in the Seanad. The Visitors' Gallery was full of people who had a direct interest in the Bill and we had an excellent debate. We look forward to the debate resuming next week.
I wish to refer to another strength of the Seanad - cross-party motions. I commend Senator van Turnout, in particular, on the motion she tabled on Childline. I was happy to second her motion. It received unanimous support in this House and heavily influenced a change in tack in terms of renewed funding for Childline.
Yesterday, Senator Leyden referred to the Charlie Hebdomassacre and other Senators referred to the Boko Haram massacres in Nigeria. I wonder if we could table a cross-party motion condemning the massacres. That might be an appropriate way to mark them in this House.