Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Screengrab/YouTube

'Should we allow mothers to marry their daughters?'

The marriage equality debate has begun in earnest…

DEBATE IN THE same-sex marriage referendum has stepped up a few notches this week, buoyed on by the publication of the wording of the vote yesterday.

The move was broadly welcomed by politicians and several interests groups, however others have expressed their concerns over the potential addition of the following line to article 41 of the Constitution:

‘Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.’

Speaking on Morning Ireland, Breda O’Brien (journalist and patron of the Iona Institute) said that, if passed, the referendum will make it impossible to “say that it is preferable for a child to be adopted, where it is possible, by a man and a woman”.

She said it was “very clear” that this was the best environment in which to raise a child

O’Brien said she didn’t oppose civil partnerships for same-sex couples but drew the line at marriage as children become involved.

On Tuesday it emerged that the government planned to have enacted the Children and Family Relationships Bill – which covers several issues including gay adoption – before the marriage equality referendum in May. The legislation will provide for gay couples to jointly apply to adopt, which they can currently only do individually.

Bad timing?

Labour TD Dominic Hannigan also appeared on the programme. He married his long-term partner, Chris, in London late last year.

Hannigan said debating marriage and adoption issues at the same time wasn’t ideal and the “timing could have been better”. However, he noted that one in four children in Ireland don’t live in the “traditional family structure” of a mother and father, for various reasons.

The Meath East TD said the government has put the rights of children “at the forefront of legislation” since it took office. He said the new law was about “making sure their futures are protected”.

File photo: Labour TD Dominic Hannigan has announc Dominic Hannigan Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

When O’Brien said she didn’t have a problem with a grandmother and a mother raising a child, she was asked what the difference was between that a lesbian couple raising a child.

She said the former situation was acceptable as although the child’s father is not present, their right to having one has not been “taken away”.

“Do you think we should change the Constitution to allow grandmothers and their daughters to marry?,” she asked.

Opinion polls have shown widespread support for same-sex marriage in recent months, but Hannigan cautioned by saying: “Far too many people assume this is in the bag.”

He said a “very, very difficult campaign would have to be fought” and encouraged people not only to vote but to actively campaign.

“We cannot allow this to be lost because of complacency or apathy,” he added.

Gay adoption law will be in place before marriage equality vote

Here’s the wording you’ll be voting on in same-sex marriage referendum

RTÉ receive 847 complaints about Panti appearance and apology to Iona Institute

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 477 comments
Close
477 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Farrell
    Favourite Alan Farrell
    Report
    Mar 12th 2023, 5:43 PM

    Fair play to Arsenal and especially Arteta. Everyone who follows football will know his managerial journey and will also know what an extraordinary job he has done turning Arsenal’s fortunes around. Even as a United fan I can see that and appreciate it. Also, a breath of fresh air to see a team not only break to City/Liverpool mould but to do it in such a way that even rival fans can enjoy watching them. Hats off.

    109
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Danny Sherrard
    Favourite Danny Sherrard
    Report
    Mar 12th 2023, 5:55 PM

    @Alan Farrell: not so much a city/Liverpool mould. Liverpool have only won one premier league title since Man City were taken over by oil money. Also take in to Liverpool’s net spend is far lower than the likes of city and united.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Farrell
    Favourite Alan Farrell
    Report
    Mar 12th 2023, 6:02 PM

    @Danny Sherrard: Ah you know what I mean though, they’ve been the dominant teams in the PL for a few years now, not winning it loads of times doesn’t take away from how good a team Liverpool have been. Maybe I could have been clearer there. Not bothered about net spend or any of that, the transfer market has become an absolute farce since PSG paid Neymars buyout clause. €100m for Antony? No way in hell that price is being paid pre-Neymar to PSG. Also not my money so couldn’t give a hoot how much investors are willing to blow on player acquisitions.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Graham
    Favourite John Graham
    Report
    Mar 12th 2023, 6:58 PM

    I blame Arteta !

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Man
    Favourite Pat Man
    Report
    Mar 12th 2023, 6:28 PM

    I blame Gary lineker

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bass Boss
    Favourite Bass Boss
    Report
    Mar 12th 2023, 4:56 PM

    so far lucky arsenul…

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john fairclough
    Favourite john fairclough
    Report
    Mar 12th 2023, 5:02 PM

    @Bass Boss: the more they train together the luckier they get!

    62
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds