Irish civil Unions Bill Heads to President’s Desk

Irish civil unions bill heads to president’s desk

Irish President Mary McAleese, once an advisor to an early national gay rights campaign, may be close to signing Ireland’s first law aimed at providing legal protections for same-sex couples.

The Civil Partnerships Bill this week easily passed in the Irish Parliament’s upper chamber by a vote of 48-4.  It was earlier approved in the lower chamber, known as the Dail, according to the Irish Times:

The Green Party Minister for State Ciarán Cuffe, who instigated the move to introduce the legislation in 2007, welcomed its approval last night.

He said changes will need to be made in social welfare and tax laws to facilitate the change. He said those changes would most likely be made in December’s Budget.

“I would be happy if it was in place from January 1 next year. Without giving too many hostages to fortune, I am optimistic that the first civil registrations can take place from then,” he said.

The Bill will extend marriage-like benefits to gay and lesbian couples in the areas of property, social welfare, succession, maintenance, pensions and tax.

Same-sex couples register their relationship before a registrar. The legislation also provides for the legal recognition of civil partnerships obtained outside the State. At present, cohabiting couples have few rights under family laws.