The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
A Clare TD has proposed two amendments to the Marriage Bill (2015) introduced to the Dáil on Wednesday. Deputy Michael McNamara, a barrister, wants to see the legislation amended so as to allow for new civil partnerships to be entered into and to widen the number of people who hold can the role of solemniser. The Bill, as it exists, does not change the status of any existing marriage, or any future marriage between a man and a woman bit instead proposes to remove the current obstacles in legislation that prevent a lesbian or gay couple from marrying. Marriages abroad of lesbian and gay couples will be automatically recognised in Ireland on passing of the Bill. Existing civil partners will have the choice to marry, but may also choose to remain as civil partners all their lives. However, according to Deputy McNamara, if the Bill passes through the houses of the Oireachtas as it is, no new civil partnerships may …
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