Sir, – Diarmaid Ferriter's article "The more bishops say about marriage, the better for a Yes vote" (Opinion & Analysis, March 14th) comes down to an account of a change in style among Irish bishops in relation to communicating church teachings, teachings that have not changed, decorated with a series of direct or implied personal disparagements.
The account also observes how, over a period of five decades, many baptised Catholics in Ireland no longer believe in the teaching authority of the church.
One admires Diarmaid Ferriter’s enthusiasm for history, and while not doubting his sympathy for Diarmuid Martin’s perceived difficulties, one wonders if his tactic is not in fact twofold – to browbeat the bishops into abstaining from further intervention and to divert attention from the issues central to the referendum. – Yours, etc,
NEIL BRAY,
Cappamore, Co Limerick.
Sir, – Brendan Heneghan (March 13th) sets out a number of grounds for his case that the referendum on marriage has nothing to do with children. Given his contention, it is strange that his first argument rests on what he insists is the very small number of children in same-sex unions and particularly in male same-sex unions. It is understandable that he would wish to play down the latter given the ethical questions involved in surrogacy and egg donation for male couples, questions that have kept the Government away from dealing with the subject until the referendum is, as it hopes, secured.
Despite his contention that children are not an issue, he then goes on to make a case for same-sex marriage by citing its advantages for the children of such unions who feel “second-class citizens” on account of their parents’ exclusion from the institution of marriage. This is a projection of adult feelings on to children. Children are far more likely to be affected by their lack of a father or a mother and the unusual circumstances around their conception and birth.
Playing down again the issue of children, he notes that adoption by gay couples would be very rare as so few children are adopted outside their families anymore. This is true but what of adoption and custody implications where marriages fail? This is where the redefining of marriage affects not only the children of same-sex couples but all children irrespective of their family type.
Simply put, the new ethos that denies difference between biological and non-biological parents, between mothers and fathers, will affect them too. For instance, family court judges and social workers who up to now recommend that residential custody for a child “of tender years” be given to the mother, other things being equal, will no longer be able to do so. – Yours, etc,
MARGARET HICKEY,
Blarney, Co Cork.