2011 heralds first Irish civil partnerships

Irish legislation introducing civil partnerships has come into effect meaning that 2011 will bring Ireland's first civil partnerships.

As from 1 January, the ceremonies become legal but as couples have to give three months’ notice, the first civil partnerships will not take place until 1 April.

Under the new rules, a wide range of foreign same-sex civil marriages and civil partnerships will also be recognised as Irish civil partnerships.

This represents a remarkably fast transition in gay rights from the 1993 decriminalisation of homosexuality, in a country where nearly 90% of the population is Roman Catholic (meaning for example that abortion in Ireland remains largely illegal).

Ireland joins 19 other European countries which allow same-sex marriage or some other official recognition of same sex relationships.



Date: 03 January 2011

Comments:

Excellent. My partner is half Irish so we may try and be some of the first. 1st April seems a bit of a funny choice of date though. Hope they're serious about it!
Andy, London - 04 January 2011 07:58 PM

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