A new poll shows that the Irish people strongly supports legal recognition of same-sex partners, with 84% of those polled supporting either gay marriage or civil partnerships.

According to MarriagEquality, who commissioned the poll, only 26% of the 84% supporting some kind of same-sex partner recognition said they support civil partnerships only.

Justice Minister Brian Lenihan is expected to bring forward proposals for a form of civil partnerships at the end of this month, but the Irish government has ruled out gay marriage because it claims this would require a change to the country's constitution and a potentially divisive referendum.

Article 41 of the Irish constitution says:

"The State pledges itself to guard with special care the institution of marriage, on which the family is founded, and to protect it against attack."

It does not give any definition of marriage itself, and critics and constitutional scholars argue it does not outlaw gay marriage.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network last year, Mr Lenhian said he was keen to guarantee equality to gay people.

"This government, as our agreed programme reflects, is committed to full equality of opportunity for all in our society.

"In particular, we are committed to providing a more supportive and secure legal environment for same-sex couples" he said.

"I believe equality for same-sex couples can be achieved through a diversity of legal arrangements.

"I am very keen that in the interests to your community we should proceed now to bring in a law that will give recognition and protection to same sex couples who are involved in loving stable relationships."

The Minister said that the expected law should allow couples to formalise their relationships, undertake mutual rights and obligations, obtain legal protection and legal benefits for their relationships.

Last update: 03-31-2008 18:29