Madam, - Michael O'Driscoll (July 3rd) complains that a previous letter from David Carroll (July 1st) is an example of "liberal intolerance". His own letter appears to be a study in conservative scaremongering and disinformation.
He maintains that most Irish people agree with Senator Jim Walsh's objections to the Civil Partnership Bill, though he does not tell us how he knows this. As it was reported in Wednesday's edition that Fianna Fáil TDs are broadly supportive of the Government's proposals, does this indicate that the largest party in the country is hopelessly out of touch with the wishes of the nation?
In addition, Mr O'Driscoll maintains that the Civil Partnership Bill will fundamentally undermine the "special relationship" that marriage enjoys in the Irish Constitution, although again he provides no evidence as to how this is the case. It appears, from reading the Bill, that the measure is designed to ensure that the Constitution, and the institution of marriage, remain untouched.
Mr O'Driscoll continues with an assertion that same-sex unions are more prone to dissolution than marriage, but again provides no evidence.
Personally speaking, I have been in a relationship with my partner for over 13 years, while many of my friends' and family's heterosexual relationships have faltered and failed. The worry for my partner and me is that, as the State offers us no legal recognition or protection, there are a number of situations where the State could refuse to recognise our rights.
Should either of us be hospitalised for any reason, the hospital is under no legal obligation to allow access to the other, or discuss treatment options. Should I die intestate, my partner has no right to inherit any of the wealth or property that we have spent the last 13 years building together. Should I leave a will bequeathing all of my worldly possessions to my partner, he would then be required to pay full capital gains tax on this inheritance, which would most probably require the liquidation of all of our shared assets, including our family home.
While Mr O'Driscoll - and, I am sure, a significant minority of Irish people - may feel that, due to the nature of our relationship, we should have no rights to the same benefits the State provides for them, I must assert that our relationship is just as strong, just as deserving, and just as loving as any other.
That Mr O'Driscoll and his ilk are uncomfortable with the idea that our type of relationship exists is unfortunate for them, and is a reaction that I and many other LGBT people have had to suffer since we first realised our sexual orientation.
Thankfully however, this type of reaction is becoming less and less obvious, and while we still have a way to go before people like Mr O'Driscoll stop caring what goes on behind the closed doors of our lives, at least we are moving in the right direction.
Mr O'Driscoll's assertion that same-sex unions experience a higher level of violence and mental and physical illness is quite obviously born of the worst kind of bigotry and shall be ignored for the cynical ploy that it is.- Yours, etc,
LEO O'SHAUGHNESSY,
Steevens Gate,
Dublin 8.