gaelick » marriage equality

Come join Marriage Equality at One Family’s annual Family Day Picnic

Webmaster — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:17:57 +0000

The Family Day Picnic – Sunday, May 19th 2012

Come join Marriage Equality at One Family’s annual Family Day Picnic in Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens on Sunday, May 13th from 11am-5pm, presented by EBS Building Society.We’ll be there again this year celebrating all families including LGBT families and we’d love it if you’d join us!

One Family have planned a great day: Free entry, Free entertainment: workshops & activities for all members of the family. Celebrate families, celebrate your family!

And we’ll have a stand at the picnic too, with facepainting, balloons and cupcakes! So drop by and say ‘hello’.

For more information visit www.familyday.ie

E-mail us at info@marriagequality.ie to let us know if you are going to come along and join in the fun!

We’d encourage you to bring your own rug and picnic – and an umbrella just in case!

Art competition: Draw Your Family

Draw or paint or create a collage of your family and you could win €500!

Last year the Family Day Art Competition organised by One Family and EBS Building Society was a big success and this year they’re doing it again!

Are you a budding artist? Do you know any? One Family would love to receive family portraits by young artists up to 18 years old. They can use any medium at all from crayons to paint to collage to create their picture of them with their family member/s. They’d especially love to see pictures of families enjoying the outdoors together. The aim of the competition and Family Day is to promote family diversity and to celebrate our wonderful families, whatever their shape or size.
The theme is ‘My Family is … ?’

Draw a picture that completes this sentence for you. You could be inspired in many ways, for example:

My family is … love.
My family is … happy.
My family is … eating ice-cream.
My family is … around me.
My family is … going to Family Day.

The closing date for receipt of entries is Friday, May 31 2013. A prize of €500 will be awarded to one entrant chosen by random selection so everyone has an equal chance to win this fantastic prize. Please fully read the Terms & Conditions before submitting entries.
Terms and Conditions

Maltese form Gay / Trans Council

Gooner — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:48:03 +0000

The ruling Labour government in Malta are looking into the prospect of introducing civil partnerships for same sex couples. Their leader made this promise in January before the election, he also said at that time that his government would introduce identity legislation for trans people.

Interestingly, they have decided to get the views of LGBT people in this process of producing change – how novel of them. The government will go about this by use of a consultative council set up by Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli.

Joseph Muscat

Court

All of this came about after the government dropped its case against a 31 year old who went to the European courts after she was refused the right to marry. It was the first reading of a bill that would allow trans citizens the right to undergo gender reassignment in order to marry a person of the same gender, that has lead to this council being formed. So who exactly makes up the council? Well, participants are LGBT activists and the heads of various voluntary organisations, they will be chaired by Cyrus Engerer.

Labour leader, Joseph Muscat, also said he will appoint a minister for civil rights and equality in the country which would imply that these are not just steps being made to make the country seem like it is moving in the right direction but that rather his government are committed to ensuring the rights of all citizens are upheld into the future.

He said:

We have waited too long to move ahead and give these persons their rights. We truly want Malta for all and want everyone to feel that Malta is theirs

By saying that this isn’t about tolerance but rather embracing us all as equal human beings, Muscathas has hit the nail on the head. Malta should be for all of it’s citizens a safe and dignified home and the same goes for every other country including our own.

Lucky 13 for New Zealand

Gooner — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:54:06 +0000

Today, New Zealand’s Parliament passed marriage equality legislation by an overwhelming majority of 77 for and 44 against, becoming the 13^th country to achieve marriage equality. Louisa Wall MP’s private member bill, to amend the NZ Marriage Act and allow same-sex couples to marry, passed its third reading in front of a packed house. A screening room had to be set up in another area of Parliament and people began queuing outside hours before the debate even began and all around the country people gathered around to watch the historical vote take place. Last week Uruguay became the 12^th country to achieve marriage equality and the second country in Latin America, the first being Argentina, to recognize the marriage rights of same-sex couples.

Image from tntmagazine.com

Come on Ireland!

Marriage Equality renewed its calls for Ireland to be a leader in the movement for equality in light of recent progress on the issue both at home and abroad. Following a weekend of presentations and discussions the constitutional convention in Dublin at the weekend voted by 79% in favour to recommend that the Government provide for equal recognition of civil marriage for same-sex couples.

The weekend’s deliberations followed an unprecedented 1,000 plus submissions to the Convention, more than three quarters of which favoured marriage equality. The Convention will now submit a recommendation to Government to provide for equal recognition of marriage for same-sex couples. The Government will publish its decision on what it proposes to do with the recommendation within 4 months, including a decision on whether or not to hold a referendum on the issue and a timeframe.

Marriage Equality Director Moninne Griffith says

Now really is the time for marriage equality, we want Ireland to lead this movement for equality and not fall behind. As the push for equality for same sex couples and families gains momentum in countries like the United States, France and the UK, we call on our own political leaders to make it a reality here too. Irish people want this as was shown by the overwhelming vote at the convention at the weekend. Ireland is ready, with a strong majority of Irish people who think same sex couples should have the right to marry the person they love.

We call on the Government to implement this positive recommendation as soon as possible to provide for ‘same-sex marriage’ in the constitution by putting this issue to the people of Ireland in a referendum. A referendum on the issue here in Ireland is our opportunity for us as a citizens of this country to take the next step as a modern democracy that has respect for diversity and that believes in equality,” added Ms Griffith. “This is our chance to be leaders when it comes to equality for all, and to enshrine essential Irish values of justice, equality, fairness, and respect for all citizens in the Constitution.

Watch the announcement from NZ here

Constitutional Convention “historic” endorsement of equal marriage

Webmaster — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:21 +0000

Joint News Release

Marriage Equality, Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN), Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL)

In a joint statement this afternoon (14 April 2013), advocacy groups Marriage Equality, the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) have welcomed the strong endorsement today by the Constitutional Convention of equal marriage as “an historic step”.

Following a weekend of presentations and discussions involving supporters and opponents of equal marriage, the constitutional reform body voted today by 79% in favour to recommend that the Government take steps to provide for equal recognition of marriage for same-sex couples.

The weekend’s deliberations followed an unprecedented 1,000 plus submissions to the Convention, more than three quarters of which favoured marriage equality. The Convention, as per its Terms of Reference, will now submit a recommendation to Government to provide for equal recognition of marriage for same-sex couples. The Government will publish its decision on what it proposes to do with the recommendation within 4 months, including a decision on whether or not to hold a referendum on the issue.

Welcoming the outcome of the Convention’s deliberations today, Marriage Equality Director, Moninne Griffith said:

“we are delighted with today’s result at the Constitutional Convention on the issue of same-sex marriage. This proves that Ireland is ready for equality for same sex couples and wants equal access to civil marriage for loving committed lesbian and gay couples. Recent polling reflects the vote today. Now is the time. We call on the Government to implement this positive recommendation as soon as possible to provide for ‘same-sex marriage’ in the constitution by putting this issue to the people of Ireland in a referendum.”

GLEN Director, Brian Sheehan said:

“This is a historic day. It is a major milestone on the remarkable journey to full constitutional protection for lesbian and gay people and families in Ireland. It builds on the extraordinary progress we have achieved over the last 20 years, and clearly demonstrates that Ireland is ready to take the next step to complete that remarkable journey.”

There have been two days of moving and emotional debate. We are delighted with the result, as will the hundreds of thousands of lesbians and gay people throughout Ireland. We would like to thank the members of the Convention, both ordinary citizens and political members, for the thoughtfulness, care and respect with which they dealt with the issue over the last two days. Their discussions were a powerful demonstration of the commitment to equality and further progress for lesbian and gay people in Ireland. This makes us even more proud citizens of Ireland.”

ICCL Director Mr Mark Kelly said:

“This is landmark moment in the human rights history of Ireland. The Convention has voted by a decisive majority in favour of changing the Constitution to allow for civil marriage for same sex couples. The vote sends a clear message to Government that the time is right to ask the Irish people to remove one of the last bastions of official discrimination in Ireland. Successive polls have indicated that such a move is favoured by a majority in this state. Public engagement with the Constitutional Convention, and today’s vote, bear this out. The ICCL looks forward to further engagement with the public on the subject of equal marriage in the coming months”.

• The Convention on the Constitution met on the weekend of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 April with a view to reporting recommendations to the Houses of the Oireachtas on the constitutional provision for marriage for same-sex couples. For more information on the Convention on the Constitution see www.constitution.ie. The sessions took place in the Grand Hotel, Malahide.

• Presentations and panel sessions by legal and academic experts, and by advocacy organisations, took place on Saturday 13 April, with closed deliberations and voting by Convention members taking place on Sunday 14 April.

• The ICCL, GLEN and Marriage Equality jointly made the case for opening up civil marriage in Ireland to same-sex couples. The Convention also heard contributions from a number of religious organisations opposed to extending civil marriage to same-sex couples, including the Knights of Columbanus, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Evangelical Alliance.

• The ICCL’s, GLEN’s and Marriage Equality’s submissions to the Constitutional Convention are available on the Hear Our Voices website athttp://www.hearourvoices.ie/submissions. Hear Our Voices is an initiative of The Irish Council for Civil Liberties, working to ensure that the voices of civil society organisations will be heard in an effective way during the constitutional convention process.

• About Marriage Equality

Marriage Equality is a national not for profit organisation working for equality for same sex couples, families and their children through access to civil marriage. Marriage Equality was launched in February 2008. It grew from the KAL Advocacy Initiative: a group set up to support the case to recognise the Canadian marriage of two Irish citizens – Drs Katherine Zappone and Ann Louise Gilligan.

With over 3,000 supporters throughout Ireland, the organisation has had significant impact on public and political opinion in relation to the issue, through a combination of media and communications, research and policy, advocacy and lobbying work. Public support for marriage equality has grown from 56% in 2008 to 75% in 2012.

For more information please visit www.marriagequality.ie

• About the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network

The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network is a non-governmental organisation that campaigns for equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people in marriage, at home, at school, at work and in the wider community. www.glen.ie

• About the Irish Council for Civil Liberties

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) is Ireland’s independent human rights watchdog, which monitors, educates and campaigns in order to secure full enjoyment of human rights for everyone. Founded in 1976 by Mary Robinson and others, the ICCL has been campaigning for over three decades for full equality for same-sex couples. www.iccl.ie

NOISE Kiss For Marriage This Sunday

Jen — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:00:45 +0000

Image from kalashkinoff.net

LGBT Noise have created a new event to promote marriage equality ahead of the Constitutional Convention, which will look at and vote on the issue this weekend, April 13th and 14th and decide whether constitutional reform is required. It will be a huge step forward in the fight for equality here in Ireland.

At 12 noon, this Sunday, April 14th, LGBT Noise, various same sex couples and LGBT allies will meet on South King Street, outside the Gaeity theater and stage a kiss-in, where couples will lock lips to further promote the support for marriage equality, LGBT visibility and the hope we all share for a brighter future where not just some are more equal than others but one where we all have the same rights.

Cheeky!

The event will be a fun, all inclusive way to show your support for marriage equality so grab your partners,family and friends to plant one on each other (lips, cheeks or wherever you prefer) and say yes to love in 2013. Even those straight folk we hear so much about are invited to support their fabulous gay and lesbian acquaintances. Don’t worry, if you have no one to kiss there’ll surely be other single pringles about looking for a partner or you could hold some coats.

You can join the ‘LGBT Noise Kiss For Marriage’ event on their Facebook here and like the page for further updates on events.

Thumbnail Image: Agata Nowicka

France all but passes Marriage Equality

Gooner — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:29:33 +0000

Recently we have seen the French government follow through on their pre election promise to try to bring in Marriage Equality. First they approved the central clause of the Bill, then they approved the Bill itself in February. Now the Senate have taken another major step to bringing in the freedom to marry by voting 179 to 157 in favour of the most significant portion of the Bill. It looks like they are well on their way now and it’s an exciting time for all involved. There are still some additional votes required in order to pass the Bill into law but word has it that it is all but assured and that France will have marriage equality sooner rather than later.

Uruguay passed equal marriage rights legislation only a few weeks ago and New Zealand and the UK are also making significant moves in the right direction. Our own Constitutional Convention will sit to discuss the issue on April 13th and 14th, so get to your TDs and tell them you want Ireland to join the list of countries deciding that the time is right to give all citizens equal marriage rights under the law.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyWuSl7Bi1w

Labour Marriage Equality Bill Published

Gooner — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 08:00:42 +0000

As we all know the Programme for Government made a commitment to include marriage equality under the Constitutional Convention. The topic is going to be discussed by the convention on April 13th and 14th, in lieu of this the Labour Party has published a Bill designed to remove the obstacles in the Constitution that prohibit same sex marriage in this country.

The launch

Senator Ivana Bacik and Councilor Eoin Holmes launched The Civil Registration (Marriage Equality) Bill 2013 earlier this week but what does it do? If made law the Bill alters the Civil Registration Act by removing, within the law which facilitates for civil marriage, a specific reference to gender. This of course all follows on from the party leader publically supporting the rights of same sex couples to marry.

Senator Bacik has said that

This simple amendment to the Civil Registration Act will remove the statutory bar which prevents same sex couples getting married. It will make it easier to achieve equality for same sex couples with opposite sex couples in availing of civil marriages. With the Constitutional Convention considering the issue of marriage equality in April, this Bill provides a simple method for removing the statutory obstacle so as to help enabling that to be achieved.

Allowing same sex marriage is a core Labour principle. We are proud to be pioneering this legislation, just as Labour was to the fore in the decriminalisation of homosexuality over 20 years ago and by pushing for civil unions in advance of the introduction of civil partnership in 2010.

As recently as last week Labour also introduced an amendment to the Employment Equality Act, to ensure that religious-run, or controlled, schools or hospitals, can no longer opt out of anti-discrimination laws. This will act as an important safeguard for LGBT employees, single parents, and others who currently face potential discrimination.

Her collegue Councilor Holmes adding

Gay and lesbian people in Ireland have been to the fore in bringing about social change through their courage in coming forward and being true to themselves.

I am encouraging people in Meath East to vote for a more modem, liberal, and tolerant Ireland by giving their support to the Labour Party. By publishing this Bill in Ashbourne we are demonstrating to voters Labour’s commitment to use our position in Government to bring about a better and fairer society for all Irish people.

If you would like to get involved then have a look here to see if any of your constituent representatives are on the Convention and contact them to let them know you are hoping they will be supportive.

Part of Same Sex Marriage Bill Approved in France

Gooner — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:00:21 +0000

The news for marriage equality has been good lately. For the first time in the States voters went to the polls and voted in large numbers to allow equal right, since then Rhode Island’s lower house has approved a same-sex marriage bill and it looks like Valentine’s day might be extra special in Illinois this year as Democrats there hope to legalise same sex marriage by then.

Equalité on the way?

Packing in PACS?

On this side of the pond there is some good news too. As our own Constitutional Convention readies itself to discuss the issue over on the continent the French are getting there too. At the moment France only allows a civil solidarity pact (PACS) between same sex couples but after debates, demonstrations and lots of emotion from both sides the country’s assembly voted in favour of a central clause by 249 votes to 97.

So much debate has been seen that no fewer than 5,000 amendments have been presented. The new law would not only allow for full marriage rights but also adoption rights (I hope you’re watching Enda). The debate is a week old and it seems that it will last another two. I love that in France the people really get heard, let’s hope the will of those people is for equality for all families.

UK Marriage Bill to be Published Today

Gooner — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:41:17 +0000

Late last year I wrote about the changes in marriage laws the UK were considering, Culture Secretary Maria Miller’s historic announcement relieved four main points:

Equal marriage – Same sex couples will be able to marry in civil ceremonies. Religious organisations that wish to conduct marriage for same-sex couples will be able to do so, if they have ‘opted in’

Protection for religions - A series of protections will be built in to primary legislation for those religious organisations and ministers who do not wish to marry same-sex couples

Civil partnerships - will be retained for same-sex couples only. Couples who wish to convert their civil partnership to a marriage will be able to do so

Changing Gender – The law will be changed to allow individuals to change their legal gender without first having to end their marriage

The Bill was published today with Ms Miller saying it will ensure the equal treatment, under the law, of same sex couples. The publication of the Bill is a significant step as many Conservative MPs are not in favour of same sex marriage rights. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme she said

We feel that marriage is a good thing and we should be supporting more couples to marry and that is exactly what the proposals being brought forward today do.

But it is about making sure that not only do we recognise the rights of same-sex couples in civil life, but we also recognise that some churches won’t want to participate in same-sex marriages. We are trying to make sure that there are the protections there for churches who feel that this isn’t appropriate for their particular beliefs. We know that there are churches who do want to take part in same-sex marriages, so we have made sure that there are provisions there so they can.

The protection for religious groups who wish to discriminate against couples has been termed a “quadruple lock”, this does the following

• Ensures that no religious organisation or individual minister can be compelled to marry same-sex couples or to permit this to happen on their premises.

• Provides an opt-in system for religious organisation who wish to conduct marriages for same-sex couples.

• Amends the Equality Act 2010 to reflect that no discrimination claims can be brought against religious organisations or individual ministers for refusing to marry a same-sex couple.

• Ensures that legislation will not affect the canon law of the Church of England or the Church in Wales. As a result, if either church wanted to conduct a same-sex marriage, it would require a change to primary legislation at a later date and a change to canon law.

However Ms Millers has indicated that

I don’t think it is for any government to tell the Church of England what they do when it comes to something which is so central to religious belief

So the controversy in the House of Commons rages on, MPs will begin discussing this issue again on February 5th.

You can view the Bill here

Poll indicates majority backing for same-sex unions

Gooner — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:00:41 +0000

Monday mornings eh! Who’d have ‘em? This morning was particularly grim for me as I had to get up extra early and, not only was I met with a now-familiar pitch dark winter morning, but also lashings and lashing of rain that feels like the water that drips out of the freezer as you wrestle with the frozen veg.

However, when I managed to get onto the queue for a cup of tea I had my usual read of the headlines on the papers and low and behold I was met with something can could warm even the most wretched day – The Irish Times proclaiming that Majority backs same-sex union, poll indicates. Well now I said to myself, work might have to wait a little while, this I simply must read.

More people are comfortable with us getting hitched

Change is the future

The article refers to a poll taken by Ipsos MRBI on their 50th anniversary and involved looking at proposed changes to the Irish Constitution that are going to be dealt with by the now famous Constitutional Convention. The poll, with an error of plus or minus 3%, asked people about issues such as changing the voting age to 17, abolition of the Seanad and same sex marriage rights. Although those asked were against changing the minimum voting age they seemed in favour of the other changes mentioned.

Let’s cut to the chase, on the issue of same sex marriage the poll says

Yes: 53%

No: 30%

No opinion: 17%

Although better statistics have come out of previous polls, it’s important to see the majority is still there for the various polls that will no doubt continue to be taken. The usual result of younger people in favour and over 55′s against stood but what was interesting was that women were “significantly more in favour” than men. I wouldn’t have thought the gender difference would be so pronounced.

Let’s get them opinionated!

What strikes me also is that 17% of people had no opinion, we need to start working on them, I think I shall have to raise the issue again at lunch today and renew my motivation in changing hearts and minds.

If you would like to get involved in the fight for marriage equality then don’t fret, the Marriage Equality TD campaign is alive and well and needs your help. Visiting your local TD can have a massive effect on getting us over the line, especially if he/she is on the Convention, so get visiting!

Youth of Ireland Call for Marriage Equality

Gooner — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 14:00:06 +0000

Last week, Irish President Michael D Higgins launched the final report of his Being Young and Irish consultation process. Almost 800 young people took part and relayed their views on Irish society and also gave some ideas on what they propose the future of Ireland should look like. So what were the results?

The Prez asks the next generation to lead the way

Well, the part that stands out from an equality standpoint was the need for marriage equality and adoption rights for same sex couples. How great is it to see the youth of the country being so progressive and inclusive? Marriage Equality have welcomed the report, Chair Grainne Heal, saying

We would like to thank all the young people who took part in this consultation process and expressed their desire to see a fairer, more equal society in Ireland. Support for marriage equality has always been strong among young people, and what this consultation process and its report have shown is that young people want to see Ireland take the lead on important issues of equality. They want to build a more modern society that respects diversity and believes in equality for all.

The provision of marriage equality is among the issues to be dealt with by the upcoming Constitutional Convention, which will have its first meeting on December 1st. The group will be chaired by Concern’s Tom Arnold and will include 33 political representatives as well as 66 members of the general public.

Be the change you want in the world

It is a very important time for the marriage equality campaign and if you would like to get involved then why not visit one of your own TDs to discuss the issue?

Now is the time for marriage equality. Public support amongst Irish people is at 73%, many public officials have actively stated their support for the issue, and local authorities up and down the country have been voting in favour of marriage equality. The Constitutional Convention is a huge opportunity for us as a country to take the next step as a modern, democratic country and be leaders when it comes to equality for all

For more information on the campaign go to the marriage equality website and get involved.

Spread Some Marriage Equality Cheer This Xmas

Gooner — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:47:39 +0000

Our good friends at Marriage Equality are hoping you will share the spirit of the season with your friends and loved ones with holiday cards from Marriage Equality. It’s a great cause and the cards, designed by Sarah Ryan, are as cute as can be.

The cards are €10 per package of 10, plus postage and packing and all proceeds go to support Marriage Equality, and the fight for equality for same sex couples, our families and our children.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

We have five card designs, each package contains 10 cards and envelopes, the inside text reads ‘Season’s Greetings’.

French Opposition To Gay Marriage Plans

Gooner — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:45:32 +0000

After a great outcome on all fronts in the USA, not forgetting Spain managing to fend off a seven year appeal against their marriage laws, it comes as a disappointment to see that opposition to Francois Hollande’s election manifesto promise to legalise same sex marriage and adoption rights is gaining ground.

The Socialist government’s “marriage for everyone” draft was thought to have large backing in the country but opposition from both Catholic organisations and even from within the party itself looks to be slowing up the process. Debate on the issue within the parliament will now not take place till January 2013.

Image from blogs.reuters.com

Sacre Bleu!

It’s the same old story, urban areas are in favour whilst rural parts of France seem to be more conservative in nature and might take some convincing. The pope has urged bishops to oppose the bill and although France usually has a separation of state and church that precludes such statements having too much sway it seems this issue is going against the norm. Archbishop Andre Vingt-Trois has spoken out against the bill to his bishops saying

It is important to remember a number of fundamental rights, which are the result of the accumulated wisdom of our civilisation that marked its gradual exit from barbarism. These included the fact that every child born to this world has the right to know who engendered it and to be raised by them.

If it’s one thing I hate it’s a bigot talking about rights. As for this quote – where do I start?

This isn’t even the worst of it, François Lebel, the mayor of one of the boroughs in Paris, has gone even further suggesting that gay marriage would lead to:

polygamy, incest and paedophilia

Christine Boutin, the country’s Christian Democrat Party leader also weighed in saying that the introduction of marriage equality could open the floodgates to moral decline.

Image from news.yahoo.com

Giving us the hUMP

The county’s main opposition party, the UMP, is undergoing a leadership race and sadly both candidates are using their opposition to the bill to gain votes. Both Jean-Francois Cope and Francois Fillon are opposed to marriage equality, the latter even going as far as to say he would look to reverse the law if elected.

All of this has lead to the delays mentioned and it must be heartbreaking for couples in France who must have felt they were on the right road. They know Hollande is a supporter and that he wants to get the bill passed within his first year in office but the roadblocks are popping up all over the place. Lets hope they can gain some momentum and get their families the respect and legal protections they deserve.

The Maine Thing is Equality

Gooner — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:33:03 +0000

Americans had a big decision to make last night, but in four states the Presidential election was not the only thing on the agenda. Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington went to the polls on the issue of marriage equality.

Our relationships are this awesome

Maine

I was delighted when I heard Obama was reelected in the states, I know what it means for our brothers and sisters over there to have him in the White House over DOMA Romney. However, I was even happier when I saw that Maine became the first state in the US to approve Marriage for Same-Sex Couples since marriage activists have lost 32 such ballots in a row country wide. This is the first freedom to marry measure to pass via ballot and that is simply massive. Couples in Maine can expect the state to start issuing marriage licences as soon as mid December.

In their press release Freedom to Marry National Campaign Director Marc Solomon said

Today, a majority in Maine voted in favor of loving and committed same-sex couples seeking the freedom to marry. Now the commitment gay and lesbian couples have made in life will be respected equally under the law, celebrated before their loved ones, and called what it is: marriage.

It’s hard to overstate the national significance of this vote. For years, our opponents have argued that we could not win a majority vote at the ballot. Today, Maine voters proved them wrong, standing up for the Golden Rule and for freedom for all Mainers.

First they said state legislatures wouldn’t go along with marriage equality, then when some states lead the way they said voters wouldn’t support us, one by one we are breaking through the walls that stand between our families and equality.

Maryland

Maryland followed Maine into the history books by approving marriage equality rights across their great state. According to The Wahington Post the victory was “partly because activists from the start openly stressed the powerful appeal of equal, civil rights, especially to African American voters”. Since African American voters make up a quarter of the electorate you can see why this strategy worked and it gives me heart to see minorities standing up for each other.

Yes we can!

Washington

Washington’s House of Representatives passed marriage equality in the state and thus have given families in that area a sense of equality and belonging. Fantastic news for the Washington United for Marriage coalition on getting the legislation past both houses.

They had the support of the Governor over the past year and I really hope our TDs see these politicians standing up for their constituents and take note.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJu6MA_wF7o

Minnesota

This one was a tight race. Rather than asking to legalise marriage rights in the state, activists in Minnesota were trying to stop the state going backwards and defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Right now it looks like the amendment will fail but only by a narrow margin. At the time of writing the yeses only have 45%, lets hope it stays that way.

UPDATE

Minnesota defeats marriage amendment with 53% of the vote – we’re 4 for 4 people!

Watch and learn: Keep your eyes on the prize of equality

HAL — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 09:00:28 +0000

From another of our fabulous new Gaelick contributors, it’s MickF!

There is an entire generation of LGBT activists who have only ever lived through the legal era (1993–present).

This can have a tendency to encourage a false sense of security to creep in; that is, until issues like marriage equality bring such realities starkly back into focus. Despite 20 years of progress, LGBT people still do not enjoy the same legal rights as their heterosexual sisters and brothers, aunties and uncles, nieces and nephews.

Any LGBT activist feeling nostalgic for the bad old days need venture no further than to take a short stroll around the Ireland’s Trans community and listen to the experiences.

The bad old days: They haven’t gone away, you know

When TENI’s Vanessa Lacey declared from the stage of 2012 Dublin Pride that “Trans Rights are 30 years behind the rest of the LGBT community,” she was perhaps being optimistic. The present reality in Ireland is that the Trans community still has no legal recognition, despite a High Court finding that the government are in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights regarding its Trans citizens.

That ruling was made over two years ago, and the promised Gender Recognition legislation has yet to materialise. Fortunately, the LGBT community is still in the vanguard of human rights activism and went some way to redressing the injustice, when Dr Lydia Foy was installed as the Grand Marshall of the 2010 Dublin Pride Parade. Waterford showed similar understanding by bestowing the honour on native sister Vanessa Lacey the following year.

It was against this backdrop that over 250 human rights activists gathered on a September weekend in Dublin, for the 4th European Transgender Council conference.

Lighting candles in the darkness: There is hope

Hosted by Dublin City University and masterfully organised by the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI), delegates from across Ireland, North and South, gave a céad mile fáilte to visitors from the EU and beyond. Delegates and speakers travelled from as far afield as Argentina in the west to The Philippines in the east, to be in Dublin, revealing the widespread interest in and enthusiasm for Trans Rights issues.

This was reflected by the extensive press coverage of the event with representatives of television, radio and the print media prominent by their presence. The event also attracted a documentary crew from Cork, who’s film is eagerly awaited by the Trans community.

The Conference consisted of three days of plenary sessions and workshops, focusing on the theme Trans Rights Now! – Realizing Respect, Recognition and Equality.

The Cabinet member with responsibility for Gender Recognition legislation is Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, was invited to deliver a keynote address to the conference.

Welcoming Minister Burton, TENI Director Broden Giambrone noted:

We are delighted that the Minister is part of this conference. Gender recognition for transgender people is a basic human right, and Ireland – one of the last EU States to legislate – has an opportunity to lead Europe in drafting inclusive, marriage-friendly legislation. We are looking forward to hearing from the Minister

Minister Burton, in turn told the conference:

I want to pay tribute to Dr Lydia Foy for her long and tenacious battle to have her true gender and identity recognised by the State and her human rights vindicated.

As a result of the High Court’s ruling in Dr Foy’s case, the State now has an obligation to put a process in place to legally recognise the acquired gender of transgender people. I am very anxious to make progress on this matter; I want to ensure that transgender people will have legal recognition and to extend the protections of the equality legislation to them.

I intend to request that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection and Education examine the issue of gender recognition in October or November (2012). I would like all groups with an interest in this area to engage with the Committee on this important issue, which will then assist my Department in drafting the legislation

Never settle for less

While the Minister’s statement was generally welcomed, it did not meet universal approval, as subsequent speakers were to show over the following days.

Other keynote speakers were Michael Farrell, Senior Solicitor with the Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) who acted as Dr Foy’s legal adviser throughout her actions against the Irish government.

He deplored the delays in bringing legal recognition to the Irish Trans community and sought to impress upon the Minister to take an inclusive and generous approach to the planned Gender Recognition legislation.

Failure to do so would be devisive and tarnish Ireland’s cherished reputation for supporting human rights.

The third keynote speaker was Senator Katherine Zappone, who spoke for many when she implored legislators to put people before political considerations, when formulating laws.

She bemoaned laws that brought shame to individuals and challenged the Minister’s contention that the Irish constitution enshrines the traditional view of marriage, based on procreation.

In an address that was widely praised during and since the conference, Senator Zappone exhorted the government to “embrace the humanity of the Trans community – as anything else would be the wrong thing to do,” to an animated standing ovation.

The next steps for advocacy and activism

Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) has established a YouTube channel to bring details of the conference to supporters and those who could not be present, but who wish to be informed to developments.

They have also produced video and audio recordings of all the principal plenary sessions, and they can be access on a variety of platforms from laptops to smartphones.

Viewers and listeners will enter a new world as they hear of experiences that will at times bring laughter, tears, anger and admiration at the courage and humanity being recounted. They will be horrified by accounts of forced sterilisation (Sweden), imprisonment and police brutality (Turkey), murder (Portugal & Turkey) and compulsory divorce (proposed for Ireland).

But it was not all doom and gloom as Mauro Cabral brought very positive reports from Argentina, where inclusive non-stigmatising Gender Recognition legislation was recently enacted to little opposition and much welcome from the Trans community.

Vanessa Lacey shocked visiting delegates by showing examples of recent television and cinema advertising, in Ireland and UK, which subjects the Trans community to gross offence and public ridicule, but emboldened the gathering by sharing strategies used to counter such negative stereotyping.

There are 19 videos in total and they also include footage of the volunteers welcoming delegates and the Rally for Recognition which took place on the first evening, just before the Trans karaoke night. (The karaoke night was not included, so as not to embarrass those who have yet to transition into songbirds..!) However, the conference concluded with Vanessa Lacey leading delegates in a rousing reception of “He’s got the whole world in his Hands”.

Some of the audio recordings are already available at TENI’s mixcloud site , while the remainder will be uploaded very soon.

Onwards and upwards, people!

Just Love: Gigging For Marriage Equality

Jen — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 07:00:48 +0000

Rose O Neill, Sean Munsanje, Rebecca Hughes, Paul Walsh - Royseven, Shaz Oye

Marriage Equality have come up with a brilliant event called Just Love: A Gig For Marriage Equality, to promote marriage equality for all in Ireland with the help of some of Ireland’s best bands and artists around, including long-time supporters of the LGBT community, Royseven and the Heathers.

Sean Munsanje will be MC for the night but, as well as Ireland’s answer to Tegan & Sara (the totes awesome Heathers) playing, this bunch of top notch acts will provide a night packed full of musical goodness and gayness:

Royseven
This Club
Heathers
Bitches With Wolves
Boulevard
Element
Brian Kennedy
Tadhg Cooke
Daniel Murphy
Rose O’Neill
Shaz Oye
DJ ALF and guests
Glória, Dublin’s Lesbian and Gay Choir

And this is not the end of the acts, with more to be announced we’re sitting on the edge of our queer seats in anticipation for which other acts will be added to the already brilliant line-up! (*cough* Wallis Bird *cough*)

Tickets are €35 from Ticketmaster. Not a bad price for promoting Marriage Equality, the support it has here among our well known musicians and public alike and keeping the fight for equal rights in the spotlight.

On the October bank holiday Sunday, that’s 28th October, Just Love will kick off at 7:30pm in the Round Room of the Mansion House on Dawson Street.

We will continue to fight for our right to marry but we’ll enjoy a bit of a knees up and fight for our right to party also, in the name of all that is equal!

Don’t forget to get your tickets from Ticketmaster or get ‘em online here.

What? Just Love: A Gig For Marriage Equality
When? Sunday, 28th October 2012, at 7:30pm
Where? The Round Room, The Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin
How much? €35.00 per ticket

Image: Marriage Equality

The Children’s Referendum proposals and equality

click here — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:40:00 +0000

This morning, the government revealed the proposed wording for the Children’s Referendum, which is due to take place on Saturday, 10th November.

The wording may change as the issue is debated in the Dáil and Seanad. It’s based on the proposals from the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children from February 2010, but differs quite significantly. (For instance, it omits entirely any reference to education.)

So what might the referendum mean for children raised by same-sex couples? The wording is broad, which is fairly standard when it comes to the Constitution: the finer details are honed by our law-makers passing legislation in the Oireachtas.

Going through the wording, then, I have some initial thoughts. Keep an eye out for the experts’ views, however!

I’m guessing Human Rights in Ireland will have an analysis before too long (they published an excellent piece this morning by Edel Quinn of the Children’s Rights Alliance), and legal academics and practitioners will no doubt share their thoughts over the coming weeks and days.

The proposed wording opens with:

Article 42A

Children

1. The State recognises and affirms the natural and imprescriptible rights of all children and shall, as far as practicable, by its laws protect and vindicate those rights.

This provision recognises children as individuals in Ireland’s Constitution for the first time. Yes, that’s as depressing as it sounds, but the provision is to be welcomed hugely.

Notably it refers to “all children”, without distinction. Presumably, this can only bode well for the rights of children raised by same-sex couples.

The government is giving the State some wiggle room by including the phrase “as far as practicable”, but such a clause is fairly standard.

2. 1° In exceptional cases, where the parents, regardless of their marital status, fail in their duty towards their children to such extent that the safety or welfare of any of their children is likely to be prejudicially affected, the State as guardian of the common good shall, by proportionate means as provided by law, endeavour to supply the place of the parents, but always with due regard for the natural and imprescriptible rights of the child.

This sub-paragraph relates to child protection, and the government is raising the bar fairly high here, by including the phrase “in exceptional cases”. This implies that not all instances of parents’ failure “in their duty towards their children to such extent that the safety or welfare of any of their children is likely to be prejudicially affected” will warrant the intervention of the State.

It’ll be interesting to see how children’s rights advocates view that one.

The inclusion of the phrase “regardless of their marital status” is a good thing, however, and finally brings an end to the differential treatment (depending on whether the parents are married or not) given to children at risk.

Whether that phrase applies to same-sex couples, however, I doubt: Who is a “parent” in the eyes of the law, even if this referendum passes? My guess is that this refers to biological parents.

Recently, the Law Reform Commission (LRC) examined the issue of step-parents, grandparents and other care-givers of children whose relationship with the child (and vice versa) is not recognised by law.

The LRC made recommendations in relation to certain (though not all) same-sex relationships where children are being raised. It could be that the LRC’s proposals will be used to deal with these issues separately. Although, even if that’s the case, LRC reports have been known to languish gathering dust indefinitely.

All that being said, it’s also welcome – and important – that the paragraph concludes with “always with due regard for the natural and imprescriptible rights of the child”.

2° Provision shall be made by law for the adoption of any child where the parents have failed for such a period of time as may be prescribed by law in their duty towards the child and where the best interests of the child so require.

This seems to relate to child protection and welfare issues in general, although again the definition of “parents” will be one to watch: although the referendum wording begins by referring to “all children” without distinction, does this sub-paragraph apply where a child who is raised by non-biological parent(s) is at risk?

3. Provision shall be made by law for the voluntary placement for adoption and the adoption of any child.

This paragraph seems to allow a parent to voluntarily give up a child for adoption (as opposed to where the child is at risk, presumably), and for that child to be adopted, but it seems very broad.

Even for the general language expected in the Constitution, it seems curious that there’s no mention of the consent of both parents (biological or otherwise) – notwithstanding the fact that the onus is being placed on law makers to legislate for this issue (“provision shall be made by law”).

Could this be an area where the issue of same-sex couples and adoption rights arises?

4. 1° Provision shall be made by law that in the resolution of all proceedings -

i brought by the State, as guardian of the common good, for the purpose of preventing the safety and welfare of any child from being prejudicially affected, or

ii concerning the adoption, guardianship or custody of, or access to, any child,

the best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration.

In my view, this is good: the language is fairly unequivocal, and enshrines in the Constitution that in certain sensitive and important instances, the best interests of the child “shall be the paramount consideration” (my emphases).

This language is stronger than that currently in legislation or which was proposed by the Oireachtas Committee (which states that the best interests of the child shall be “a paramount consideration”).

2° Provision shall be made by law for securing, as far as practicable, that in all proceedings referred to in subsection 1° of this section in respect of any child who is capable of forming his or her own views, the views of the child shall be ascertained and given due weight having regard to the age and maturity of the child.

This echoes some existing legislative provisions and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (e.g. Article 12), but seems to be narrower in scope than the Convention’s minimum requirements.

While the referendum wording refers to a child’s views being heard in relation to certain proceedings initiated by the State and certain family law cases, the Convention states that “the child shall in particular be provided the opportunity to be heard in any judicial and administrative proceedings affecting the child” (my emphasis).

It’s also couched in “as far as practicable” terms, what ever that might mean in reality.

So, what do you think? What have you heard?

Do you think the referendum will help children in Ireland who are being raised by same-sex couples?

Could it address the fact that a child’s non-biological parent is a stranger to them in the eyes of the law?

Athy Town Council to vote on marriage equality on 19th September!

click here — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 13:05:00 +0000

Kildare-ians! Are you living in Athy? Well if so, you need to get on to your local councillor, STAT!

You may remember that, since June, marriage equality motions have been passed by local councils in (deep breath) Cork City, Omagh, Down, Moyle and Magherafelt, Belfast City, Dublin City and South Dublin.

Well, Athy Town Council’s time to shine is just around the corner, when they take a vote on Wednesday, 19th September, at 5:00pm.

The Leas-Cathaoirleach of Athy Town Council, Cllr Thomas Redmond, will be proposing a motion in favour of marriage equality at the council’s next meeting on that date.

MarriagEquality will be updating events at the meeting live on Twitter, using the hashtag #justloveathy.

Here’s how you can take action!

If you’re based in the Athy Town Council area, you can visit, call or email your local councillors and encourage them to vote in favour of the motion.

A list of councillors and their contact details is available here.

MarriagEquality would love to hear about any feedback you get from your councillors as well – Just contact the MarriagEquality by email (kirsten@marriagequality.ie) or by phone (01-873 4183).

South Dublin County Council votes unanimously in favour of marriage equality!

click here — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:05:00 +0000

As we mentioned yesterday, two local councils in the east held meetings last night which included motions in support of marriage equality: South Dublin and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

In the event, South Dublin voted on two separate motions, and both were passed unanimously by councillors:

Mayor – we have an opportunity to be at the forefront of this movement. #justlovedublinsouth

— Marriage Equality (@marriagequality) September 10, 2012

Possibly 26,000 people in South Dublin affected by this issue. #justlovedublinsouth

— Marriage Equality (@marriagequality) September 10, 2012

“Council has a duty to stand up for LGBT people.” #justlovedublinsouth

— Marriage Equality (@marriagequality) September 10, 2012

The motions were proposed by Labour and Sinn Fein councillors, including the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cathal King. The council joins Dublin City Council, which passed a similar motion last week; Cork and Belfast City Councils, who passed similar motions in June; as well as Omagh, Down, Moyle, Newry and Magherafelt District Councils where motions were passed during the summer months.

Meanwhile, in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, the council’s meeting ran over time, and so a vote wasn’t taken on the marriage equality motion there. Reports on Twitter are that the motion will come up again at the next meeting in October.

@marriagequality My motion will go onto the Council’s next agenda (8 October 5-7pm). Anyone looking to attend, e-mail bward@cllr.dlrcoco.ie

— Barry Ward (@cllrbarryward) September 10, 2012

Marriage Equality welcomed news that South Dublin County Council unanimously passed two motions in support of civil marriage for same sex couples.

Marriage Equality Director, Moninne Griffith, said:

This is a wonderful step by South Dublin County Council to raise awareness of this important issue at a local level. We’d like to thank all councillors involved for their initiative, and our supporters in South Dublin who spoke to their councillors over the last few months about raising the issue.

Marriage equality is not just a national issue, it’s a local one. It’s about respecting and protecting loving couples and families who are part of our communities and treating them as equal. That is why putting the issue on the agenda at local level is so important.

Last week, when Dublin City councillors voted in favour of a motion supporting marriage equality, the motion was passed by a total of 38 votes to 4. Cork City Council’s motion passed unanimously in June. Local authorities across Ireland have resumed their sessions this month.

During the summer, councillors from city and county councils around Ireland were in contact with Marriage Equality about plans to bring their own motions of support forward in the coming months.

Ms Griffith added:

We are delighted at the response we’ve received from councils around the country.

In the coming weeks, we look forward to seeing a dramatic rise in the number of local authorities voicing their support for marriage equality, and sending a powerful message from their communities to the Government that same sex couples, our families and our children deserve equality.

With 73% popular support, including TDs, government ministers and local authorities, the time for marriage equality is now.

Two more local authorities to vote on marriage equality tonight!

click here — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Following marriage equality motions being successfully passed at Dublin City Council last week, and since similar moves in local authorities across the island, attention today focuses on two more councils in the Dublin area.

South Dublin Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council will today vote on separate marriage equality motions.

The first vote will take place in South Dublin Council’s meeting at 3pm, according to MarriagEquality, with the second vote taking place during the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown meeting at 5pm.

Councillor Barry Ward (Fine Gael) of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown council has placed a motion which states:

That the council supports equal access to marriage for all people, irrespective of sexuality.

The Evening Herald reports, however, that Ward’s party colleague, Cllr John Bailey, is set to vote against the proposal, saying, “I am very much pro-life and pro-conventional marriage. I would vote no.” Of the other responses from Fine Gael councillors who were contacted by the Herald, most supported the motion.

The Fine Gael vote appears to have caused family division, too, with Cllr Maria Bailey – John Bailey’s daughter – intending to vote according to her own conscience today. On Friday she told the Herald:

It’s a generation thing, I think. Dad has very strong views against gay marriage and that’s fine. We’re not going to row about it or anything.

We will be discussing the issue as a party on Saturday [9th September]. I want to hear a bit more about the motion but at this point in time I can say I will be supporting it.

Take action!

MarriageEquality is calling on residents of the two Council areas to contact their local councillors ahead of the meetings and encourage them to vote in favour of the motion.

For those living in South Dublin – including Lucan, Clondalkin, Tallaght South + Central and Rathfarnham – a list of councillors and their contact details is available here.

If you’re based in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area, a list of councillors and their contact details is available here.

MarriagEquality would love to hear about the feedback Dubliners get from their councillors by calling (01) 873 4183 or by emailing kirsten@marriagequality.ie.

The DLR meeting will be streamed online and can be viewed here.

You can also follow developments on Twitter, using the hashtags #justlovedublinsouth and #justlovedlr