Irish Civil Partnerships are “Sexual Apartheid” says Peter Tatchell

[pete2]

This is Mr.Thatchell speaking at the 'Marriage Matters' symposium in Dublin yesterday. The event organized by the National Lesbian and Gay Federation of Ireland What's is the NLGF? | NLGF

Irish government plans to introduce British-style same-sex civil partnerships have been condemned as “retrograde, divisive, second best, discriminatory and sexual apartheid” by LGBT rights and Green Party parliamentary candidate Peter Tatchell.

[Mr.Thatchell continued:] “The proposed Irish civil partnership legislation is a big mistake and an insult to same-sex couples. It is a rejection of marriage equality,.. Separate laws for gay people are not equal laws. Civil partnerships will reinforce the ban on same-sex marriage and thereby reinforce discrimination. They will extend discrimination by denying heterosexual couples the right to have a civil partnership. “This is not equality,” he insisted.

“I urge the Irish government to take a principled stand in favour of equality by ditching its civil partnership proposals and instead bring forward legislation to extend civil marriage to same-sex couples. Civil partnerships are not good enough. They are second best...
“I urge the Irish government to not follow the flawed British system of civil partnerships. Let Ireland lead the way and outdo the Brits by giving full civil marriage rights to its lesbian and gay citizens...

Irish Civil Partnerships Condemned as “Sexual Apartheid” by UK Gay Campaigner

[mccafferty cat]

Of course, he is correct to an extent. Personally I think we should go the whole hog and give equal marriage rights, but there is only so much that can be achieved in one fell swoop.

Ironically of course, there is a section within the gay lobby who WANT a separate set of laws, and disagree with full marriage rights for same-sex couples

[White Horse]

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.

[Lulu84]

At this point I think I'd settle for any Civil Partnership legislation, the government have been so long dragging their heels about it.

[Mr.De-Regulation]

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

[Munion]

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?

[Mr.De-Regulation]

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?

Should you get tax benefits for ********************ing?

[jimmyjames]

Two fellahs kissin and cuddlin? You must think I'm stoopid!

[Munion]

Should you get tax benefits for ********************ing?

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

[JCSkinner]

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