Source: The Independent and Press Association
Dublin -- THE IRISH GOVERNMENT yesterday ruled out the introduction of legally recognised gay marriage -- in the way that marriage is defined by the Constitution.

Minister of State for Equality Sean Power, said the special protection afforded to marriage under the Constitution meant it could not legislate to re-define marriage to include same-sex couples.

However Mr Power repeated the Government's commitment towards bringing a Bill on civil partnership for same sex couples early next year.

Power said: "In Ireland, the special protection afforded to marriage under Article 41.3.1 of the Constitution means it is not possible to legislate in certain ways -- either to simply redefine marriage to encompass same-sex couples, or to define a new status relationship directly by reference to marriage."

At a national symposium on gay marriage and partnership rights, he stated the main question was how to extend greater recognition under the law for gay and lesbian couples while respecting the current constitution.

The National Lesbian and Gay Federation (NLGF), which organised the symposium with support from the Equality Authority, said the right to marriage equality was an issue of primary importance for lesbian and gay people in Ireland.

The symposium, called "Full And Equal Rights: Lesbian And Gay Marriage And Partnership Rights In Ireland", was organized as part of the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All 2007.

The organisers said before the event that despite a Government commitment to address the issue next year, it was important to map out the reforms the community feels are necessary."Same-sex couples are entitled to the same range of relationship options as opposite-sex couples, including marriage for those who choose it," said John Fisher, of ARC International rights organisation.

Following the discussion, Ailbhe Smyth, chair of the NLGF, said the group is setting up a platform of different interest groups to campaign for equal marriage rights.

Ms Smyth said Mr Power's remarks were close to those made by Justice Minister Brian Lenihan when the government opposed a Labour Party Bill on civil unions.

However Ms Smyth said it was disappointing to "find a blanket 'no' to marriage being put out there from the outset".

The federation said legal experts were divided as to whether there were constitutional issues which would affect any attempts to introduce civil marriage for same-sex couples.

Ms Smyth said: "Civil marriage is still the aim and goal of the organisation involved in working on this issue."

Full articles: Minister rules out prospect of legal gay marriages - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie
Press Association: Activists demand gay rights