Civil Unions Bill to be debated tonight

[stretchneil]

Labour Youth have issued a press release welcoming the Civil Unions Bill, to be debated tonight and tomorrow night:

This evening (February 20th), Deputy Brendan Howlin will introduce the Civil Unions Bill to the Dáil, providing an equality of treatment to same-sex couples within this state.

Speaking in advance of the debate, Labour Youth Vice-Chair, Neil Ward said: "The Civil Unions Bill being introduced by the Labour Party represents the first significant commitment by a political party in this state, to equality of treatment for same-sex couples."

Full press release can be found here

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has welcomed the Dáil debate on the Civil Unions Bill, which seeks to improve the rights of same sex couples.

snip

“This debate is an important step towards achieving our ultimate goal of an express right for all persons to marry and found a family in accordance with the law, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation,” he added.

So, the issue will be debated tonight and tomorrow. Government sources have indicated they they will vote against the bill, though their reasons have yet to be made public. Thoughts?

[returning officer]

What government sources are these?

Howlin seems happy that with government co-operation it will make it past its second reading.

See
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaki ... king50.htm

[White Horse]

Am I correct in saying that this bill, if passed, would allow homosexual couples to adopt children?

[jayblue]

and what is the problem with that?
The question is will the government parties support this bill with all their eyeing up the pink vote of lately or will they knock it back to touch till after the elections. Here is hoping that if there is a GOD that our liberal government TD's will support the Labour Bill. Been debated tonite and voted on tomorrow.

[salt]

DOnt think the Polish President is supportive of Civil Union,he was lets say not in favour of gay marches however he knows many gay people.

[White Horse]

and what is the problem with that?
The question is will the government parties support this bill with all their eyeing up the pink vote of lately or will they knock it back to touch till after the elections. Here is hoping that if there is a GOD that our liberal government TD's will support the Labour Bill. Been debated tonite and voted on tomorrow.

If is allows homosexual adoption it will fail, and fail quickly.

[Fnarr-Fnarr]

Speaking in advance of the debate, Labour Youth Vice-Chair, Neil Ward said: "The Civil Unions Bill being introduced by the Labour Party represents the first significant commitment by a political party in this state, to equality of treatment for same-sex couples."

Clearly Labour Youth has forgotten that last year, the Green Party published a policy paper supporting full civil marriage for same-sex couples and civil partnerships for same-sex and hetrosexual couples.

[tumeltyni]

Clearly Labour Youth considers Green Party contributions insignificant

[Fnarr-Fnarr]

Clearly Labour Youth considers Green Party contributions insignificant

Perhaps, though as far as I know, Labour Youth is closer to the Green Party's position on same-sex marriage than they are to the Labour Party position.

[Kierkegaards avenger]

What is the story with the phenomanal delay in the introduction of civil union legislation from the government anyway? The have been going on about it forever. If they have delayed it this long they will delay it a bit longer until after the election when Catholic Ireland can't bite back. Howlins bill is just political showboating aimed at attracting the so called Pink vote.