SAME SEX PARTNERSHIPS which are registered in three US states and one European country are to be recognised in Ireland, the Minister for Justice has confirmed.
Marriages which take place in Denmark, civil unions which happen in Delaware and Hawaii in the United States and marriages from Washington in the US will all be recognised in Ireland.
The order by the Minister for Justice came into effect on 31 December 2012 but was only announced this afternoon. Ireland now gives official recognition to partnerships registered in 35 jurisdictions around the world.
Washington recognised same-sex marriage in December, while civil unions were officially introduced in Hawaii and Delaware in January 2012. Denmark gave legal recognition to gay couples in relationships in June 2012.
“It is important that same-sex couples who register their relationships in other jurisdictions enjoy the recognition and benefits of the Irish civil partnership legislation, on their return or relocation to Ireland,” said Minister for Justice Alan Shatter.
Couples based in Ireland who have gone through with a civil union or marriage will now be subject to the same legal regime and have the same rights and obligations as couples who register a civil partnership in Ireland, including tax, social welfare and domestic violence codes, as well as property, pensions and inheritance rights.
“As the legislative landscape continues to change internationally, this measure ensures that Ireland remains up to date in this regard and that such registered partners are afforded the full protection of the law,” said Minister Shatter.
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