On 27 November, the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) released a case study on how civil partnership in Ireland was achieved. Charles Flanagan TD and Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party launched the case study Civil Partnership and Ireland: How a Minority Achieved a Majority. The case study documents the role of GLEN in the run up to the enactment of civil partnership legislation.
The case study gives a clear and honest account of the approach taken by GLEN in the pursuit of their ultimate goal – gay marriage. The study recognises the importance of accepting compromise and “the importance of making significant gains versus no gains”, as was the case when the Civil Partnership Bill was proposed. While their decision to support the Bill did create tension between other members of the Gay and Lesbian community, GLEN saw the Bill as a step in the right direction rather than the end of the road.
The case study provides an honest account of GLEN’s journey and achievements so far and may prove to be a useful resource for other minority groups who wish to pursue change through advocacy and campaigning.
Bulletin readers may remember that “provision for same-sex marriage” is one of the eight issues that Ireland’s Constitutional Convention will look at during their tenure.
Click here to read GLEN’s case study.
Click here to read Charlie Flanagan’s speech at the launch of the case study.
Click here to read GLEN’s press release.
In other news concerning marriage equality, the United States Supreme Court last week agreed to hear two cases which challenge the Defence of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8 under which only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. The cases, Windsor v United States and Hollingsworth v Perry, are expected to be decided on by the end of June 2013 and offers the Supreme Court the opportunity to examine the constitutionality of gay marriage bans in the United States.
Click here to read a SCOTUSblog article.
Meanwhile in the UK, the British Government announced yesterday its intention to introduce a bill next year legalising gay marriage. The legislation however will make it unlawful for the Church of England and the Anglican Church in Wales to conduct gay wedding ceremonies.
Click here to read a Journal Article on the matter and a BBC news article.