Irish Civil Partnerships are “Sexual Apartheid” says Peter Tatchell

[Libero]

It is sexual apartheid.

Why should a same sex couple have legal, tax and inheritance rights, while two siblings who've lived together for 50+ years are denied such rights.

Why should the presence or absence of sexual activity determine whether the partnership has legal rights.

This is sexual apartheid, though not the one Mr. Thatcell was referring to.

Siblings have a range of inheritance rights, hospital visitation rights, etc. that are not currently available to same-sex couples.

Yes, under proposed Civil Partnership, same-sex couples would have rights not accorded to those in strong sibling relationships. But the denial of those rights to siblings is not part and parcel of the future civil partnership legislation; that denial exists already. It's illogical to blame something that doesn't yet exist for something that has long existed.

Also, I can think of a few siblings who don't appreciate the sudden attention given to their relative lack of rights by those who showed little interest until now. That comes across as using their sitution to try and block the extension of rights to others. And I'd submit that sort of approach comes closer to the spirit of apartheid than anything you've described (although even then, the use of the a-word is undeserved and won't impress black South Africans either).

[The OD]

Why are tax benefits given to people who publically declare they are having sex together?

I can see why tax benefits should be given to parents but why should a couple who never have children receive them?

I think it goes a little beyond ''having sex together''? Its about sharing a life together and that sort of thing. As White Horse said below, I would also apply it siblings who have lived together for many years?

Marriage is a stupid concept anyway (stupidly expensive for a start and who has to pay for all this? Me, thats who.....fu king marriage, how did it come to this????)

[pete2]

Tatchell has nothing to contribute to Ireland. He should keep his looney opinions in Britain.

I couldn't give a monkeys either way for the civil partnership idea what I took umbrage at was his use of South Africas Apartheid to make his point. He is a complete hype artist.

Who I wonder is the "sexual PW Botha" and the "sexual Nelson Mandela"?

[JCSkinner]

Indeed, Tatchell (a man who made his name by 'outing' others even though he sought to hide his own sexuality during the infamous Bermondsey election) has long shot any credibility he made claim to.
On the substantive issue, I'm entirely in favour of equal rights for all citizens. Which is why I support civil partnerships that give homosexual relationships the same rights as heterosexual ones.
But I see no justification for the attempt to adopt the term marriage for those relationships. To my mind, gay couples have the same 'right' to get married as I have to give birth.*



* I am male.

[MsAnneThrope]

I am trying to cure my sexual apartheid tonight. Anyone know where I can find some bi-polar chicks? Some S+M?

Buswells Hotel, any time now

[Factorem]

It is sexual apartheid.

Why should a same sex couple have legal, tax and inheritance rights, while two siblings who've lived together for 50+ years are denied such rights.

Why should the presence or absence of sexual activity determine whether the partnership has legal rights.

This is sexual apartheid, though not the one Mr. Thatcell was referring to.

What about the farmers and their special inheritence rights?

[Question R24U]

Why are tax benefits given to people who publically declare they are having sex together?

I can see why tax benefits should be given to parents but why should a couple who never have children receive them?

Apply both arguements to childless hetrosexual couples.

How many batchelor farmer brothers are prepared to make an exclusive committment to each other for at least 4 years? Maybe sex or children have nothing to do with recognition of adults relationship? Think about it.

[Mr.De-Regulation]

I can see the Revenue standing outside Coppers of a weekend handing out tax forms to couples heading off for a one night stand.

Dam censorship blocked the word I was using.

I meant should we get tax reliefs for w@nking.

[hippo]

Tatchell has nothing to contribute to Ireland. He should keep his looney opinions in Britain.

Thatchell has a heck of alot to say that gives one pause for thought. Go Peter!!