Dáil passes Civil Partnership Bill

THE Dáil has passed the Civil Partnership Bill, giving same-sex couples the right to legally-binding civil partnerships for the first time from next year.

The vote in Leinster House last night – supported by Sinn Féin TDs as a civil rights issue – was greeted with applause from the public gallery..

The Bill now goes to the Seanad and should be signed into law in the autumn.

ENDS