Press Release 20.11.2004
Gay Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) welcome in broad terms the statement by the Minister for Justice Mr. Michael McDowell at the Young PDs Conference in Dublin, where he committed to introducing legislation to protect the rights of lesbian and gay couples and other cohabiting couples.

"What we are looking for is Equality between gay and lesbian couples, and heterosexual couples. We call on all political parties to pursue this issue urgently, right through to implementation" said Mr. Kieran Rose, co-chair of GLEN. "The Archbishop of Dublin has recently acknowledged in a positive way that the circumstances and vulnerabilities of lesbian and gay couples needs to be addressed. All sectors in Irish civil society have now recognised that gay couples require protections and support. It is now a matter for the government to legislate, and to legislate on the basis of equality", continued Mr. Rose.

"The Minister for Justice can speedily demonstrate that he is actually committed to addressing the needs of lesbian and gay couples, as he said today in his speech. He has the power to change the regulations governing immigration, without recourse to legislation, to allow the bona-fide non-EU partners of Irish lesbians and gay men the right to live and work in Ireland. We call on the Minister to change these regulations immediately" said Mr. Rose.

For further information please contact GLEN at 01 4730563.