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Ireland ready for gay marriage |
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Ireland has enjoyed an economic boom and a social revolution since joining the European Union, but it seems the cultural shift has instigated a liberal seachange.
A new survey has shown the majority of Irish people are in favour same sex-marriages putting the government under renewed pressure to recognise gay partnerships.
Gay rights groups are now calling for homosexual marriage to be recognised in law.
Added pressure has come from the opposition with Labour calling for the legal recognition of same-sex relationships.
The renewed pressure comes after a survey from the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) shows 51%of people think gay and lesbian couples should have access to civil marriage.
A further 33% of people feel that same-sex couples should have access to civil partnerships.
Naturally, the Catholic church has maintained its resistance to such moves, saying marriage is the "cornerstone of Catholic faith". With divorce rates outstripping successful marriages, one might think the Catholic church might focus elsewhere, perhaps on love and prayer.
The Taoiseach has previously said that gay marriage would not get Irish voters' backing in a referendum.
The survey, which was carried out by Lansdowne Research for GLEN, shows a consistent rise on previous figures in support of gay partnership recognition.
"Irish people have experienced significant change in recent years. They have largely managed that change because they have taken an open-minded approach," said Kieran Rose, chairman of GLEN.
"Most people accept that recognising a stable and loving relationship, same-sex or otherwise, is simply the right thing to do. The Government should now enact legislation." Source: uk.gay.com |
