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Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357

It's the only reason I can now think of to be proud of being Irish!

And at least Ireland did the right thing here, unlike the UK with the Election...

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

Now Northern Ireland is under pressure after the Irish gay marriage referendum win.

Northern Ireland remains the last country in western Europe where LGBT couples are barred from getting married.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Portugal ? Monaco ? The Vatican ?

esl_prof · Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 6:11 pm Post subject:

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2015 9:02 am Post subject:

Might have been more relevant to the majority of the population if there had been a referendum on divorce equality - making it not the preserve of the rich and well-connected only...

esl_prof · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2015 3:13 pm Post subject:

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2015 4:24 pm Post subject:

In all the hoopla to celebrate this outcome, few people seem to realise that there is almost no divorce in Ireland.

It is a long and expensive process to attempt to dissolve a marriage. And it is basically a recent innovation that there is even the slimmest possibility of trying to do so. For years there was absolutely none. Which led to many couples separating and simply co-habitating with new partners, creating a legal mess with regard to matters like family courts, alimony. Their new living arrangements had no legal sanction, and still don't really until they can re-marry. Which is why most couples there have just not bothered getting married for years now. It avoids the distress of being legally married to one partner yet living with another. Taxes, kids, the whole package is just easier if you are technically single. At least, that was the way of most of my colleagues there.

For true marriage equality, the right to end it should surely be more important for the vast majority of couples than this focus on gay rights.

esl_prof · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2015 5:59 pm Post subject:

johnslat · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2015 6:08 pm Post subject:

Dear Sasha,

Perhaps presenting it as an "either/or" proposition is loading the deck. Why can't the proponents of "easier divorce" become more active, as those supporting same-sex marriage.

You seem to be suggesting that same-sex marriage activists are preventing that from happening.

Regards,
John

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2015 6:59 pm Post subject:

Dear Johnslat

No, I'm not saying that at all. I merely question the use of the word 'equality' and the notion that this referendum was somehow important in extending justice to all citizens. If there really was any 'equality' then divorce would be available to all, regardless of wealth. Which it isn't there.

I wonder if divorce laws will be amended when the first gay marriages breakdown? Will it take another referendum?

With Communist greetings

Sasha

johnslat · Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2015 9:05 pm Post subject:

Dear Sasha,

" . . . the notion that this referendum was somehow important in extending justice to all citizens.

Um, where was that notion expressed? Certainly it extended justice to some, and perhaps, by providing encouragement to others, it could be said to be important to all the others, I guess.

Regards.
John

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2015 5:31 am Post subject:

Dear Johnslat

This was the rhetoric employed by those campaigning for this change to the law. Including an ex-president. It was an often bitter debate, on both sides, but most of the world media only paid attention to it as the result was...erm, coming out. Perhaps that is why you too are unaware of the deeper issues surrounding this event... Hic!

With Communist greetings

Sasha

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

Sasha,

I'm not sure I understand why divorce should be any more difficult in Eire than anywhere else. The Roman Catholic church has clearly lost its overwhelming influence on the country. Is it the cultural norms which prevail.....

The 15th Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland repealed the prohibition of divorce which was signed into law in June 1996. That is 19 years ago. According to statistics, almost 100,000 people have availed themselves of the law since then. Now 1 in 10 marriages end in separation or divorce in Eire. The law requires amongst other things that the couple must be separated for 4 of the 5 preceding years.

You can find adverts on Google for a divorce in Eire from 290 Euros.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2015 7:18 am Post subject:

That's not what my contacts on the ground say there. It is long and expensive, even as legal processes usually go.]

I'd be wary of adverts on Google offering services like this. In much the same way I'd scorn 'attested diplomas' from a spammer from west Africa...

A decent article here:

http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/divorce-irish-style-1.2068656

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

I'm actually in Dublin for a couple of weeks which piqued my interest in this topic. As you walk past lawyers' offices, they are all advertising divorces from about 500 Euros.

I have read the link article you posted which just reinforces what I was trying to say -