2005 saw Spain become one of the shining lights in the fight for marriage equality across Europe.  On July 3rd of that year same sex marriage became legal in Spain and this made it the third country to fully legalise our relationships, following in the footsteps of the Netherlands and Belgium.  The law in Spain also includes adoption by same sex couples and as an Irish person, I have always looked to Spain as a great example of how a deeply Catholic country can still make the right decision on human rights.

However, from the very start the country’s Popular Party have said that the law is unconstitutional and have appealed it.  The appeal was due to be heard soon, however, the court has decided to postpone it’s ruling until the election of four new justices.  When you think that Spain has seen 18,000 same sex marriages take place in the 7 years since the law was enacted, the thought of going backwards seems unthinkable, and yet that is where we are since the Popular Party won a majority last year.

It is also worth remembering that marriages in Spain are recognised in some foreign counties, so this issue has a wide reaching influence.

Lets hope the court makes the right ruling and Spain remains firmly on the list of countries that give respect and dignity to all their citizens.