We are happy for these two on the day of their wedding. Theirs is not a militant day, but a great victory for LGBT rights, human rights and militancy in Ireland all the same.
We want to remind everyone that this is a wedding in all the meanings of the word, but that it falls short of being a marriage, as it does not provide the constitutional protection their children would deserve if they were to have any. (By natural birth, adoption, the only two legal options in Ireland). The fact that such a discrimnatory difference remains towards children raised by LGBT couples (in “pink” households) is the only shadow, but it should not cast on any such celebration.
By Grainne Cunningham
Saturday April 02 2011
TWO men who have been partners for 17 years will finally get their chance to
officially tie the knot this week.
Dubliners Barry Dignam and Hugh Walsh will make history on Tuesday when they become the first gay couple to enter a civil partnership under new legislation.
The ink was barely dry on the minister’s signature on the new law when Barry proposed to his long-term partner during their Christmas holiday in Gran Canaria.
But the couple had to wait the mandatory three months before enjoying their big day out.
Tuesday is the first day civil partnership ceremonies can take place under the new law — and Barry and Hugh are first in line.
“The moment was there and I had to take it,” said Barry, explaining why he chose to pop the question over an anniversary dinner with Hugh. “In some ways for us, it will be like a renewal of our vows.”
The couple exchanged commitment vows in front of family and friends 10 years ago. But having their partnership recognised by the State is hugely important for both of them.
“If I was in a car crash and was injured, they would be looking for some relation of mine and Barry would be completely ignored, even though he is the most important person in my life,” said Hugh, an IT sales manager.
Barry, a film-maker and lecturer, said that after they exchange vows at Dublin’s Registry Office at 3.30pm on Tuesday, they will not have to worry about inheritance tax or the house they share, should anything happen to them.
Marriage
Both still want to see the introduction of full gay-marriage rights but, for the moment, they are happy to become civil partners.
“When we first met, it was still illegal. Now our partnership is going to be recognised by the State. That is a huge journey in one lifetime,” said Hugh.
Although Barry proposed, neither is planning to be late on their big day. And after the official service, they are planning a low-key celebratory meal with family and friends. They have also booked a short honeymoon in Venice.
- Grainne Cunningham
Note that it is the first official ceremony under the new legislation, but in some cases (http://www.gcn.ie/First_Gay_Couple_Has_Partnership_Recognised) unions have been recognized by the administration without a ceremony, prior to that date, after the passing of the law.
Also it is rumoured that in case of sickness, some people have been allowed to contract one earlier, where the waiting period was waivered.
TV interview, at the 25′ mark: http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1095421 (Available until 22/04/2011)
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