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”.

This weekend, 13th and 14th April, the Constitutional Convention will discuss access to civil marriage and constitutional protection for lesbian and gay couples.

Cllr. Gillian Wharton-Slattery’s motion was passed last night by Kerry County Council with 18 councillors voting in favour, 7 against, 1 absent and 1 abstaining.Fair play to Cllr. Wharton-Slattery for tabling it, but bit disappointing that about a quarter of council voted against.

Happy Valentines day! Do you know what beats any number of chocolate roses? Political support for the particular form of relationship that happens to apply to you or someone you know.