This paper explores the meaning(s) and understanding(s) that same-sex lesbian and gay couples have of Civil Partnership in Ireland, from a hermeneutic phenomenological perspective. While Civil Partnership was legislated for in 2010 and enacted in January 2011, by January 2013 1,000 couples had registered their same-sex relationships. This new institution recognises same-sex relationships but withholds full family equality.
The paper presents the socio-political shifts in Ireland, a predominantly Catholic country, which in celebrating 20 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality (1993). In 2010 same-sex relationships were legally recognised. However, adoption and same-sex family recognition is withheld. Further change is coming as Ireland, part of the global movement for marriage equality, sees public support of 75% in favour of same-sex marriage recognition thus moving inexorably towards full equal recognition for same-sex relationships and rainbow families.
Zappone and Gilligan’s (2006) court case efforts of seeking recognition for their Canadian marriage lit the fuse on the issue of same-sex relationship recognition in Ireland. Advocacy groups started to push beyond minimum recognition models, leading to the Irish Deputy Prime Minister describing same-sex marriage rights as ‘one of the major civil rights issues of our time’ (Eamon Gilmore, June 2012). The Irish Government has taken the issue to the people by forming a citizens’ assembly to examine provision for same-sex marriage in Ireland.
Part one of this paper traces the socio-political background to same-sex relationship recognition, followed by an outline of the key policy milestones; thirdly it explores the activist endeavours leading to the introduction of the Civil Partnership legislation in 2010. Finally, the paper examines the strengths and gaps of the legislation recognising same-sex relationships and rainbow families and shares the emerging findings of what same-sex couples in Civil Partnerships in Ireland have to say about what it means to be Civil Partnered.
