29/10/2013

Tanaiste Calls For Gay Adoption Legislation Ahead Of Marriage Referrendum

Legislation to allow the adoption of children by gay parents should be established ahead of a referendum on same-sex marriage, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore has said.

It is understood that Mr Gilmore wants the legislation established first so as to not overshadow a public referendum, with a spokesman saying, "Any referendum that takes place will have to be about marriage equality and not about other issues."

Current gay and lesbian people can adopt a child on their own, but not as a couple and Justice Minister Alan Shatter is in the process of preparing new legislation for equality of gay couples in regards to adoption.

(MH/CD)

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