Two personal articles on irishtimes/opinion on the forthcoming referendum offer two very different perspectives on its possible impact and put forward forthright arguments for and against it.
Bruce Arnold writes that we should reject the referendum. He describes his own marriage and argues that marriage and family ties are bound up with partners being capable of procreating. He also traces the long history of marriage and family.
Pádraig Rice writes in favour of the referendum. He describes his relationship with his partner, and why they, as much as heterosexual couples, deserve to be able to marry. He explains why he believes the issue is so important.
You are invited to have your say here on the forthcoming same-sex marriage referendum.