Sir, – I'm not sure that the proposed constitutional amendment delivers, as Conor O'Mahony's analysis avers, exactly what proponents of marriage equality have campaigned for ("Amendment wording is clear, to the point and delivers full equality", January 22nd). Article 41.2 of the Constitution currently affords protection to "stay-at-home" mothers.
Unless provision were made to extend the definition of “mother” to include a partner in, for example, a male same-sex marriage, that protection could not be applied to all marriages. Surely any proposed amendment should also revise Article 41.2 (as already proposed by a majority of the all-party committee on the Constitution) as follows: “The State recognises that family life gives to society a support without which the common good cannot be achieved. The State shall endeavour to support persons caring for others within the home.” – Yours, etc,
DONNCHA Ó CRÓINÍN,
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.
Sir, – As I understand it, a traditional marriage should be consummated and can be dissolved if this does not occur. How will these rights be vindicated by partners in a same-sex marriage? – Yours, etc,
DB DURKIN,
Ballybrack,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Miriam Lord's observation that all the parties in the Dáil are campaigning for a Yes vote should make those contemplating voting No in the referendum think about with whom they are aligning ("A window of wanton consensus on wording", January 23rd). On the island of Ireland, only the unionist parties in the North will have no truck with gay marriage. Do people in the Republic really want to be "in bed" with Peter Robinson and Ian Paisley jnr? – Yours, etc,
KENNETH HARPER,
Burtonport,
Co Donegal.
A chara, – Some are suggesting this debate will define us as a nation. I don’t know about define; but it will certainly say a lot about us if we can debate such a contentious issue with civility and respect. – Is mise,
Rev PATRICK G BURKE,
Castlecomer,
Co Kilkenny.
Sir, – I wonder if someone went around the country and asked all the poverty-ridden, drug-addicted, alcoholic, homeless, hungry or abused children would they have preferred to have been reared by two same-sex parents who loved, cherished and protected them, I think we all know what the answer would be. – Yours, etc,
MARY BURKE,
Clonmel,
Co Tipperary.