An estimated 4000 to 5000 LGBT people and their loved ones (not including cute puppies) marched for marriage equality in Dublin’s city centre this afternoon.

Crikey, I disappear into a world of heteronormativity for the weekend for a wedding, and – irony of ironies – it’s all go on the Civil Partnership Bill front. Rumour has it that the President is considering sending the Bill to the Supreme Court over its constitutionality.

Hooray, hooray! After history was made last week, when the Dáil passed the Civil Partnership Bill 2009, the Bill makes its way to Seanad Éireann on both Wednesday and Thursday of this week for final debate. It should make for lively viewing and reading, if we hear from the likes of equality champions and anti-Bill conservatives.

Guess what’s back! That’s right, the Civil Partnership Bill 2009 returns, this time for the Report Stage in the Dáil. The debate takes place between 5pm and 9pm, tomorrow, Thursday, 1st July 2010. Tune in! Comment! Tweet!

Skipping between his views of “morals,” the Irish constitution, and “democracy,” Fr Vincent Twomey’s argument against the Civil Partnership Bill is wide-ranging, but struggles to stand up to scrutiny

What does family mean to you? Help Dublin Pride’s WRF2 project by giving your answer – and be in with the chance to win a fantastic prize!

You would think that the Roman Catholic hierarchy in Ireland has better things to do than continue wittering on about gay rights issues. But no. Their strategy – as it is for the Vatican downwards – continues to be to try to distract from their child abuse issues by attacking equal rights issues: the gays (and women’s control over our own bodies).

On Friday, Reuters reported that a number of countries in the United Nations have tried to block the IGLHRC’s status as an accredited organisation at the UN. Accreditation allows organisations to make representations to the UN on human rights issues within their expertise.

On Wednesday, HAL listed some of the positive changes for women in Ireland, following The Irish Times’ marking of 40 years of struggle with its “Sisters” special. Fittingly, then, Friday’s Irish Times letters page included a fascinating critique by one Kay Hughes.

Heads-up, kids: the Civil Partnership Bill’s Committee Stage resumes tomorrow, Thursday, 27th May 2010 at 10:00am. Tune in, comment, Tweet!

If you cast your minds back to the weekend – past the hungover fugue, past the Saturday night binge, keep going.. there! You may remember my wee post flagging IDAHO, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which takes place this week.

Guess what, kids? Monday, 17th May, is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, aka IDAHO. And this year, to mark this important day, a Great Global Kiss-In is taking place. Plus, in Ireland, Changing Attitude is organising services open to all.

A few days ago, GCN published its interview with Brenda Power. Since then, I’ve heard some people – horror of horrors gays included – agreeing with some of the things she has to say. … I just can’t abide that.

Portugal’s highest court has today issued a ruling that expanding the definition of marriage to include same-sex relationships is permissible. This is in the context of Portugal’s constitution, which obliges the state to uphold and protect marriage and the family.

The Civil Partnership Bill 2009 continues its progress through the Oireachtas, with committee stage taking place this Wednesday, 24th March 2010 at 10am. A Live Blog has again been set up, and we hope to embed the stream to the live Oireachtas video to allow readers to follow the debate.

The Civil Partnership Bill is progressing, and conservatives are stepping up their game in opposition. LGBT Noise needs us to do the same – read on!

IWD raises awareness around the real experiences of women in the world. It highlights achievements, but also the oppression of half the human population, for reasons solely of their gender. Feminism, based on the fundamental principles of equality, solidarity and human rights is needed for the benefit of all in society.