How would you like to be in with the chance to win a brand new iPAD and be part of the campaign for marriage equality all at the same time?

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.

Well, can you Adam-and-Steve it, folks, it’s been thirteen whole days since the last Gaelick news round-up? So, what has been happening in that intervening period? Lesbian LOLs? Sapphic surprises? Dishing the dykey dirt? Read on!

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.

It’s been quite a while since our last round-up of what’s been happening here at Gaelick Towers. (Personally, I blame the hectic madness of Pride and the Civil Partnership Bill.) Let’s remedy that, shall we?

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!

Pride is the highlight of the gay calendar so while parading down Dublin’s city centre with your head held high, why not march with Marriage Equality and LGBT noise and make a statement while you are at it?
Whatever you do for the day make sure the message is clear, civil marriage will legally recognise and protect LGBT families, civil partnership will not.

Forty years after the death of Harvey Milk and we’re still following his idea that, if every straight person knew an out LGBT person, there would be no discrimination. Most straight people have no idea that there is discrimination in Ireland; they go about their business oblivious. It’s campaigns like We Are Family, that will, hopefully, show the unfairness within their midst.

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

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!

The Dáil is to resume its debate on the Civil Partnership Bill 2009 this Wednesday, 27th January 2010. (It is scheduled to take place at some point between 11:29am and 1:30pm, although first to be debated in that time-slot will be two other bills.) 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.