Homosexual couples demand right to adopt and marry

Same-sex couples should be given the same rights to adopt children as heterosexual couples, the Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution has been told.

Johnny, a group representing gay and bisexual men, pointed out that same-sex couples were allowed to foster children. There was, therefore, "no rational explanation" why stable and supportive same-sex couples could not adopt a child.

Calling for a widening of the constitutional definition of "family", the group said gay people had suffered "grave inequalities" as a result of the ban on same-sex marriage.

Unmarried and Separated Fathers of Ireland said fathers and mothers should have equal rights and responsibilities under the Constitution for their children from the moment of conception. However, no such constitutional protection should be provided in case of rape, incest and sperm donation.

Age Action Ireland said the Constitution failed to set out the rights of grandparents and the extended family.

One Parent Exchange and Network (Open) said the Constitution should provide explicit recognition for the rights of the child. Director of the Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism Philip Watt warned against a "two-tier" policy on family rights.