Cardinal Attacks Civil Partnerships

The head of the Catholic church in Ireland has voiced opposition to same-sex civil partnerships.

Cardinal Sean Brady's criticism comes weeks after the Irish state published its Civil Partnership Bill, which will give gay couples in Ireland similar legal status to married people for the first time.

Delivering a sermon in Limerick last night, Cardinal Brady said marriage between a man and a woman "will always remain the best environment in which to raise children".

The cardinal claimed that "what the government is planning will hugely change people's concept of the family".

"Any government that undermines such an environment could hardly be said to be promoting the common good," he said.

He said the people of Ireland would soon have to choose to "stand clearly on the side of Christ or depart from him".

Under the new laws, Cardinal Brady claimed any cleric who refused to officiate at ceremonies could be found guilty of an offence.

The Green Party, who has lobbied for the equality bill, today said it was saddened by the cardinal's comments.

Green TD Ciarán Cuffe said: "They do little to promote a culture of greater tolerance and inclusiveness in society. The civil partnership legislation offers security and stability for people who love one another and clearly upholds the common good."

Gay campaigners have insisted there is democratic consensus for the bill, which followed extensive national dialogue and consultation.

Gay and Lesbian Equality Network spokesman Kieran Rose said Cardinal Brady is entitled to an opinion on civil partnership, and is entitled to express it.

"Churches too are entitled to marry whom they wish in their churches," he said.

Mr Rose insisted same-sex couples should be afforded the same legal protection as their heterosexual counterparts.

Christian pro-gay group, Changing Attitude Ireland, said the introduction of civil partnerships in Northern Ireland three years ago proves such laws strengthen families.

Spokesman for the group, Rev Mervyn Kingston, said the legislation has been active in Cardinal Brady's Armagh diocese throughout this time, and "the sky has not fallen in".

(PR/BMcc)