DUBLIN, February 19, 2007  –  The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has pre-announced an audit of TDs’ votes for/against the Civil Unions Bill when voting takes place in the Dáil on Wednesday, (February 21), it emerged at the weekend.

Students are to note precisely which TDs try to block the legislation in the Second Stage vote which follows debate on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

The Civil Unions Bill would end discrimination against lesbian and gay people in many areas of law.

As students prepare to consider the audit’s findings, USI urges TDs to bear in mind that the “overwhelming majority” of the public support Civil Union legislation.

A Lansdowne poll, commissioned by GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network) and published at the end of 2006 found that 84% of respondents were in support of either civil marriage of full civil partnerships for same-sex couples.

“Students will look to see how every individual TD votes on this legislation,” USI’s lesbian and gay spokesperson Steve Conlon said.

“Simply, we regard attitudes towards Civil Union legislation as a litmus test of TDs’ support for fairness and equality.

“Those who vote ‘Nay’ vote to oppose these principles.

“Because lesbian and gay people cannot currently enter into a Civil Union or marry, they are subjected to statutory discrimination in many areas. The proposed Bill is a means to end this discrimination,” he pointed out.

Mr. Conlon admitted that civil unions were not the same as marriage.  But he said that USI would continue to seek justice for same-sex couples who should have the right to marry in Ireland.

“Nevertheless, Civil Union legislation would improve the State’s treatment of lesbian and gay people, creating a better society for all,” he concluded.

USI President Colm Hamrogue said that all eyes will be on TDs on Tuesday when this Bill is debated, and especially on Wednesday when they will vote.

“The Labour Party is to be commended for sponsoring such an important piece of legislation,” he said.

“By publicly announcing an audit of how each individual TD votes – and communicating this to students across Ireland – we will be encouraging our members to exercise their vote for candidates who truly represent them,” he pointed out.

■ Anyone wishing to attend the Dáil debate on either Tuesday or Wednesday should contact either Cathy or Kirsi at the Labour Party HQ in Dublin – Tel: +353 1 678 4715 or 1 678 4700.

■ The debate can be seen world-wide on the Houses of the Oireachtas website.  Go to the Oireachtas pilot live webcasts page and select  either the telecast or audio only for “OBU1 Dáil Éireann”

The Bill can be read HERE

SEE ALSO

Labour’s Civil Union Bill Will Give Legal Recognition to Same-Sex Unions.  By Brendan Howlin TD, Labour spokesperson on Justice.  In many respects the tabling of this Bill marks a significant watershed in our legislative and social history.  This week will mark the first time that the Dail has been given the opportunity to consider legislation providing for the recognition and registration of civil unions entered into between persons of the same sex.  (UK Gay News, February 18, 2007)

Irish Dail Debates Civil Union Bill for Gays Next Week.  The Dáil Éireann (Irish Parliament’s lower house), is set to debate and vote on civil unions for gay couples next week.  (UK Gay News, February 16, 2007)

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Posted: 19 February 2007 at 11:00 (UK time)