Madam, - The Minister for Justice's statement at the launch of the Lesbian and Gay Film Festival that "all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation, stand equal in the eyes of our laws" is ridiculous, considering that same-sex couples are at best ignored by legislation and at worst discriminated against.
While other European states make progressive and pragmatic strides towards extending protection, rights and responsibilities to same-sex Couples, the Irish Government drags its feet.
Ireland is yet again becoming Europe's embarrassingly backward cousin. The Minister's contention that "many, probably most, same-sex couples may not want an institution which gives them all the rights, entitlements and duties of marriage" is an outrageous attempt blame gay rights activists for the Government's frustratingly slow progress on this issue. For a rights-based legislative programme which favours same-sex couples to be implemented rather than perverted, Mr McDowell needs to be removed from office so that a genuinely progressive and liberal Minister for Justice can introduce some equality to this debate. - Yours, etc,
EWAN KELLY,
Secretary,
Young Greens,
Skerries,
Co Dublin.