David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is refreshing to learn that female genital mutilation and many other subjects were discussed at the conference Senator Alice-Mary Higgins attended. It is extraordinary to me that population is very rarely mentioned at such things. It is a subject about which I have been talking for many years and I wish people would take it seriously.

Unlike Senator Craughwell, I am not greatly concerned by the torturous progress of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill through this House. I have rather enjoyed it. I think we have done quite a good job on the Bill and have provided the Government with an opportunity to produce no less than eight pages of its own amendments. The Seanad has played a very useful role there.

I raise a situation that has been brought to my attention. A gentleman contacted me who was an elder of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. After the passage of the marriage equality legislation, he married his partner. This was subsequently discovered and anonymous communications were sent to the Presbyterian Church, enclosing a copy of his marriage certificate, photographs from social media of him with his new family, enjoying himself on holiday and so on. A commission was then established. The identity of the accuser was never made clear and this gentleman has now been deposed from his position as an elder of the Presbyterian Church. It seems extraordinary to me. I wonder where marriage equality has got us on this one. I understand that churches are exempt from some of these operations but it is great pity. It is extraordinary to me and I wanted to register a protest on this matter.