Legal Evolution of Same-Sex Marriage in Ireland

Agnieszka Targońska

Abstract


The legalization of same-sex relationships has always been a controversial subject. Ireland is a good example of such a case, which decided to legalize same-sex marriages following a referendum held in 2015. Conclusions which stem from the Irish experience in this matter can provide valuable lessons for those countries that have not yet legalized one-sex marriages. The subject of this article is an analysis of the path that Ireland has undertaken to legalize same-sex marriages and an indication of current Irish regulations concerning these marriages. The aim is to discuss legal evolution of the institution of same-sex marriages in Ireland and its consequences for the constitutional order and social perception of the Irish citizens. Due to the fact that there is a lack of complex legal research of this subject in Poland, this article constitutes a gap-filling study. The article has a scientific and research character and may constitute a contribution to further legal considerations on the issue of same-sex marriages in the EU states.


Keywords


same-sex relationships; referendum; same-sex marriages

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References


LITERATURE

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ONLINE SOURCES

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LEGAL ACTS

Constitution of Ireland with the Marriage Equality amendment.

Civil Registration Act 2004.

Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010.

Constitution of Ireland.

Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms signed on 4 November 1950 in Rome.

Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885.

Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 2200A (XXI) of 16 December 1966 and entered into force on 23 March 1976.

Marriage Act 2015.

Offences against the Person Act 1861.

CASE LAW

Foy v Ant Ard Chlaratheoir (2002).

Griffith v Griffith (1940).

Murray v Ireland (1985).

Norris v Ireland (1988), application no. 10581/83.

Zappone & Gilligan v Revenue Commissioners & Ors (2004, No. 19616 P.).




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17951/sil.2022.31.2.229-244
Date of publication: 2022-06-22 09:37:31
Date of submission: 2021-04-15 19:18:57


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