Civil Partnership Bill Passed In Daíl

The Irish Republic is to recognise same-sex 'marriages' with news that the Daíl has passed a Bill that will allow civil partnerships between such couples.

The Civil Partnership and Cohabitation Bill passed through the House without a vote last night and will now go to be ratified by the Seanad, the upper chamber.

A crowd outside the Daíl including Catholic bishops held a protest outside.

Speaking after the bill was passed, Chair of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, Kieran Rose, said: "Today is an historic advance not just for lesbian and gay couples, but for everyone in Ireland. It is a major civil rights reform and a great achievement for Irish society."

The bill was supported by all parties in the Dail, although individual politicians have criticised the legislation.

It is expected to become law in the autumn, 17 years after homosexuality was fully decriminalised in the Irish Republic.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said it was "one of the most important human rights pieces of legislation the House had dealt with".

"Our society has changed substantially in recent decades,'' he said.

"While marriage is more popular than ever, other forms of relationships have become increasingly common; they create some difficulties in the legal system and require in our law a measure of recognition and of protection."

(DW/BMcC)