IRELAND – Barry Dignam and Hugh Walsh have become the public face of civil partnerships in Ireland as they became the first couple to be joined together under legislation which came into effect Jan. 1, reported the Irish Times.
“We feel a certain amount of responsibility … that this is a big step which Ireland is taking and that we’re going to be a part of that,” Dignam said on the eve of the couple’s civil partnership ceremony, which took place in a Dublin registry office last week.
Six couples that obtained a special court exemption have had civil partnerships since Feb. 7. The couples, who all requested privacy, will have been granted exemptions on compassionate grounds, for example, when one partner is terminally ill.
“The first public civil partnership ceremonies in Ireland mark another great milestone for Ireland and for lesbian and gay people,” said Kieran Rose, of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network. “It is a great day for the couple, their families and friends, and we wish them much luck and happiness.”
He added, “Lesbian and gay couples have been waiting for years to have their relationships recognized and protected by the State.
