Irish Civil
Partnership Legislation Proposed

The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) has put its support behind civil partnership legislation published by the Irish government Tuesday.

If passed, the legislation would be the first time lesbian and gay relationships are recognized, supported, and protected in Irish law.

Civil partnerships are already legal in Northern Ireland under United Kingdom legislation.

GLEN predicts the bill's fate will be decided by fall.

The Irish government has ruled out the legality of gay marriage, claiming that it would require a change to the country's constitutional vow to protect marriage based around family. (The Advocate)