“The Taoiseach was correct last week in not succumbing to the pressure and tactics of some to say “Yea” or “Nay” [on gay marriage]. This is not a political football…
…The [Constitution convention is important because it is about the lives of all our people. That is why I am proud of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste who in the programme for Government enshrined in this constitutional convention that we will have in the lifetime of this Government a plebiscite of the people which is as it should be.
Jerry Buttimer (left) TD and leader of the Fine Gael LGBT group, last night in the Dail.
Alternatively…
Just to be clear, a referendum is NOT required to bring about equal marriage – and I really wish news media would frame quotes like that with that piece of information.
The Irish Constitution does not define marriage as being between a man and a woman, and only if the Constitutional Convention says that it probably meant to (and then the Cabinet go with that way of thinking) would there be a referendum.
It infuriates me to watch news organisations and politicians lay back and wait for a referendum to happen as if inevitable, when having the entire population vote on the rights of a minority would be a black mark on Ireland.
Broadsheet commenter Alfla.
Legal opinion welcome below.
