| | | | | | Same-sex couples to enter civil partnership
| The Irish Times, 14th January 2011
by PAMELA DUNCAN | | | MORE THAN 80 same-sex couples have indicated to the General Registrar Office that they wish to enter into a civil partnership.
A total of 18 notices of intention to enter a civil partnership were received by the General Registrar Office up to January 10th, while a further 63 appointments to give notice of an intention to enter a civil partnership were received.
The first notice of intention to enter a civil partnership was given on January 4th. This means the first civil partnership can take place in early April as couples have to first give three months’ notice to the registrar.
The figures released by the Department of Social Protection yesterday on behalf of the General Register Office coincided with the first day on which couples in same-sex relationships who had previously entered into a civil marriage or civil partnership in 27 foreign jurisdictions were legally recognised in Ireland.
The Department of Justice confirmed the order, stating that “certain classes of registered foreign relationship to be entitled to be recognised in the State as a civil partnership” began yesterday.
Although there are no official figures as to the number of civil partnerships and marriages registered outside the State, the Gay and Lesbian Network (Glen) estimates that there could be up to 1,000 same-sex relationships which will be legally recognised here.
Commenting on the recognition of foreign-registered civil partnerships and marriages Kieran Rose, Glen chairman and co-founder, said it was “fantastic progress for the thousands of lesbian and gay couples who had to go to another country to register their relationships legally”.
“Now it is being recognised in the State and with it a huge number of rights and responsibilities and people are delighted,” he said. Mr Rose also welcomed the prospect of the first civil partnerships which are due be conducted in Ireland later this year.
“I think that a whole series of celebrations are going to be had in April and in the following months and years in what will be a great time for Ireland. Everyone enjoys a wedding and people’s loved ones will now be able to participate in their joy,” he said.
The Commencement Order for the legislation surrounding civil partnerships was signed by Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern on December 23rd, 2010, and commenced on January 1st, 2011.
The legislation makes provision for a court to grant an exemption to the three-month period where it is in the couple’s interest, for example in cases where one partner has a serious illness. However, no such exemptions have been granted thus far.
A full list of the 27 jurisdictions from which civil partnerships and civil marriages will be recognised and more information on civil partnerships is available on the Department of Justice website. | | | | | | |  For further information, please contact Marion Campbell Solicitors by calling (01) 475 9345, or by filling out an on-line enquiry form. |
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