Labour’s Bill to Close Legal Gaps and Ensure Equality for All Families

Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik TD  was speaking ahead of Labour’s Child and Family Amendment Bill which goes before the Dáil later this week. 

Deputy Bacik said:

"Labour's Child and Family Amendment Bill is a crucial step towards ensuring equality for all families in Ireland. The marriage equality referendum was a clear indication of the public's desire for LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships to be treated equally by the State. However, we recognise that the fight for equality extends beyond the right to marry. Labour's Bill aims to fulfil the will of the people and ensure that all families, regardless of their composition, are treated fairly under the law.

“The proposed legislation seeks to close critical gaps in the existing legal framework surrounding parents and children and offers a comprehensive solution to challenges faced by same-sex families with children born or conceived abroad, outside clinical settings, or through known donors prior to May 2020.

“The paramountcy principle introduced in the Bill places the best interests of the child at the forefront, establishing a foundation for equitable treatment irrespective of the parents' gender or the circumstances of conception. The proposed changes are rooted in a collaborative effort with organisations such as LGBT Ireland, Equality for Children, and Irish Gay Dads.

“The urgent need to address existing gaps in the system cannot be overstated. While the proposed legislation is a significant stride towards equality, it is crucial to acknowledge that some children and families are still left without adequate legal protection. This unfinished business demands immediate attention to safeguard the rights and future of all children.

"We call on Government to support the Child and Family Amendment Bill, allowing it to proceed to the second stage. Additionally, we urge Government to incorporate the provisions of our bill into their amendments to the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill. It is imperative that, by the end of this term, we achieve a legal landscape where all children, regardless of their familial circumstances, are equal in the eyes of the law."