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.

While its not my usual day to fill your minds with insignicant celebrity stories about Megan Fox and her interest in all things Sapphic, put the kettle on and sure we’ll have a look at the stories making headlines over the last week or so. Things are hectic in Gaelick HQ at the mo so I’ve been drafted from behind the mainframes to fill you on in all the goings-on gay wise!

On Wednesday, a chief justice of a federal court in the U.S. demanded to know precisely what is meant when opponents of marriage equality say that such recognition would undermine marriage. The case goes to trial in January 2010, and could have an impact on other jurisdictions, including Ireland.

I’m sorry.. Last time that I checked, I was sure that Seán Brady was not an elected representative of this country, nor is he a member of government. And yet, he seems to think that he can stick his oar in concerning how the law of the land is shaped.

LGBT groups all over Ireland are up in arms over The Civil Partnership Bill, which was published yesterday. Read all about it here. The biggest indictment of the Bill? The Iona Institute congratulating the Government on “protecting the family”. On this day of celebration, prepare to get angry.

The newsdesk has been a-flutter with reports that members of direct-action community group for fair treatment of lgbtq people, EQUALS, are demonstrating their discontent with what they see as the codification of inequality in the Civil Partnerships Bill 2009 at Leinster House this Thursday lunchtime.

For those of us living under a rock, or out in that unseasonable sunny summer weather here in Ireland (myself included), last week’s ruling by the California Supreme Court may have slipped by unnoticed. The court’s decision effectively means that the vote by the simple majority to pass Proposition 8 still stands. Here, I briefly try to break down the ruling to its main points, including its potentially dangerous effects.

Hot on the heels of the momentum created by LGBT Noise’s rally on Sunday, a symposium on extending marriage rights for same-sex couples is taking place in a couple of weeks, on Thursday, 7th May 2009 in the Westbury Hotel, Grafton St, Dublin 2, from 10am-4pm.

Greetings, campers! Unless you’ve been living under a rock somewhere, you should be aware of the rally taking place on Sunday, 19th April 2009, calling for equality for same-sex relationships, i.e. marriage equality. We thought it might be a good idea to try to collate as many photos of the rally as possible from anyone and everyone who’s there. Here’s how to upload your pics!

Hold the phone, now, equality fans! What if – just what IF – our politicians were brave enough to legislate tomorrow for equality in marriage? Why can’t it be done so simply, and what private individual could stop it by taking a case to court? Well I say, “It can be done!” and, “No-one!” Read on..

Your schedule for the week, should you choose to accept it: Monday, 13th April
Make-And-Do-Monday at PantiBar; Sunday, 19th April 12pm: Tea and Cake at PantiBar, 2pm: Central Bank, afterwards: BBQ @ The Sycamore Club over Purty Kitchen. Why? Read on..

10. Children can never succeed without both male and female role models at home. That’s why single parents are forbidden to raise children.

Irish Rail are enforcing legalised discrimination of same-sex couples travelling on Free Travel Pass schemes. And don’t think the Heads of Bill for civil partnership will cover us..!

Here in Ireland, we’re always told that the constitution is the one thing that prevents us being treated equally by the law in terms of marriage. Last month, I rambled on about the constitution itself. Now, let’s see how the courts have interpreted the constitution.

[All links open in a new window] Following on from my previous article, and some of the debate generated by the publishing of the Heads of Civil Partnership Bill, I thought I would elaborate in more detail on my thoughts. Also, I’m feeling quite ranty. As the Queen said to Alice, let’s begin at the [...]

[All links open in a new window] The Heads of the Civil Partnership Bill were published on Tuesday by the Irish government. Lauded by its proponents, lets consider why it’s bad law. Let’s begin by using the words of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform – Dermot Ahern – against him. The government [...]

[All links open in a new window] From LGBT Noise: – Civil Partnership? WE DON’T WANT IT! Civil Marriage Now! Dublin: South King Street opposite the Gaiety Theatre Gathering from 2pm, begin at 2.30pm Saturday 28/06/08 Cork: Daunt Sq on the corner of Patrick St and Grand Parade. Gathering from 2pm. Galway: Details to follow. [...]