Irish Prime Minister: We will make our decision on equal marriage soon

Ireland’s Prime Minister (Taoiseach) has said the cabinet is due to decide by next week its response to the Constitutional Convention’s recommendation on legalising civil equal marriage.

In April, the convention recommended that the Constitution be changed to allow for civil marriage for same-sex couples in Ireland.

Ahead of a Cabinet meeting this morning, Enda Kenny said ministers had four months to respond to the recommendation and should be in a position to do so this week or next week.

Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste), Eamon Gilmore, has promised a referendum on same-sex marriage will be held before the next general election in 2015.

Yesterday, the Chairman of the Constitutional Convention, Tom Arnold, called for greater public awareness of referendums in Ireland – as the public have not always engaged with them.

Civil partnerships became legal in the country in February 2011.

• Nov 29 2023

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