A Constitutional referendum would be needed to introduce gay marriage in Ireland, Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has said.
Mr Quinn said the Labour Party had always supported gay marriage. But the reality was that the Constitution defined marriage, and that in order to have full gay marriage we would have to have a Constitutional referendum.
Speaking to reporters this morning, the Minister said Glen, the main body representing gays and lesbians was of the view that civil partnership was “making progress” but that it was “not the same as gay marriage”.
His personal view was the issue could be examined by the Constitutional Convention would look at and make recommendations.
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said yesterday that he would "probably" support a constitutional amendment on the issue.