Sir, – How can the exercising of one’s human rights be a matter for public vote? The Constitution does not need to be changed; it needs to be given full effect. Article 40.1, our guarantee of equality, is currently undermined by statute. The bar to equality in marriage laws is contained within s. 2(2)(e) of the Civil Registration Act 2004, not the Constitution. Equality makes no restrictions on gender, but that statute does.
We know that the right to marry is a human right, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Human rights are not created by the Constitution; they are protected by it. It is not for a majority to purport to exercise a power it does not have, by deciding whether some be entitled to, or restricted from, the exercise of a human right.
It is for the legislature to exercise a power it does have and remove that discriminatory statutory provision. In fact, our Constitution, by way of Article 40.1, so demands it. – Yours, etc,
SUSIE GLYNN,
Mulberry Court,
Castleknock,
Dublin 15.
A chara, – I would prefer a referendum, before the end of 2013, asking the electorate if they believe all law-abiding individuals should be treated equally? – Is mise,
JASON POWER,
Maxwell Road,
Rathgar, Dublin 6.
Sir, – At last Ireland has pledged to hold a referendum on same-sex marriage in an attempt to ensure all her citizens are treated as equals regardless of sexual orientation. This is to be welcomed, as is Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s vocal support in favour of the referendum.
Upon hearing that a referendum would be held in 2015 I felt proud to be Irish and a member of a society that was showing signs of increasing respect and compassion for fellow citizens. This feeling did not last long, however, and I was dismayed and disheartened at the statements of the Irish Catholic bishops and their intention to mount a campaign of opposition.
In light of this approach taken by the Catholic Church I will no longer be attending Mass, nor will I remain a practising Catholic. I would call on other Irish people to do the same in an act of solidarity for members of the gay community who have been discriminated against for too long in Irish society.
As a person of faith, I ask myself and I ask Bishop Nulty, “What would Jesus do?”. For if He was among us I do not think he would approve of the church’s campaign of opposition, which promotes intolerance and exclusion. – Is mise,
EIMEAR BOURKE,
Dublin Road,
Navan, Co Meath.
Sir, – Only in the latter years of my work (giving day courses in relationships and sexuality to sixth class primary school children) did the subject of homosexuality arise.
Private sessions were scheduled into the day. In about 1980, in each of four schools, I was approached by one child. The questions of each of these four children were with regard to gay/lesbian parents. The questions would have been phrased much as follows:
1. I have two mammies. I haven’t told any of the other girls. I want a daddy who would be strong and look after us. Then I’d be the same as the others.
2. Why have I two daddies? From what you said about babies I must have a mum somewhere. I’m going to look for her when I’m older.
3. I have no friends in class because I don’t bring anyone home to play or to parties. That’s because I have two dads and no mammy. I can’t explain it.
4. The two of my dads can’t both be my dads because you said there is one sperm. Why have I two fathers and no mum?
Children do not want to be significantly different from their peers. Initially small children may be quite happy if the home is a happy one. But around adolescence questions begin and we have to give true answers. All of us, whether heterosexual, lesbian or gay, must think out the honest answers to such questions before giving a merely sentimental response to the referendum. – Yours, etc,
ANGELA MacNAMARA,
Lower Kilmacud Road,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.
A chara, – Dr Rachel Cave expresses bemusement at the Roman Catholic Church’s position on marriage (October 7th). How odd.
One might have expected her to notice that the Catholic Church does not tend to change its teaching on important issues. For example, the stance taken on recent debates in this country on issues such as divorce or abortion would have, I should have thought, given a fairly good indication of this. So the position taken on this matter shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.
What is bemusing is that Dr Cave would expect the Catholic Church to hold any other. – Is mise,
Revd Fr PATRICK G
BURKE,
Castlecomer,
Co Kilkenny.