Statement: Bill to Legalise Humanist Marriages Passes Second Stage Without a Vote

STATEMENT BY SENATOR IVANA BACIK

Labour Party Seanad leader and Spokesperson on Justice
Thursday 10th November 2011

BILL TO LEGALISE HUMANIST MARRIAGES PASSES SECOND STAGE WITHOUT A VOTE

The Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2011introduced during Labour private members' time today Thursday in the Seanad by Senator Ivana Bacik was passed through second stage with unanimous support and without a vote.

The purpose of the bill is legalise Humanist marriage ceremonies by amending the Civil Registration Act 2004.

Welcoming the passage of the bill, Senator Bacik said,


“I am delighted that this bill received cross-party support and that it has now passed second stage in the Seanad. This bill will mark a step towards a more inclusive and pluralist society, and it will make a real difference to couples who wish to celebrate their marriage with a Humanist ceremony. CSO figures predict that next year non-religious civil wedding ceremonies will for the first time outnumber religious ceremonies – Irish society is changing and our law on marriage needs to reflect that.”

“The Presidential Inauguration ceremony tomorrow will for the first time incorporate a Humanist element alongside the religious elements. This indicates the growing recognition of Humanism as a value-system in Ireland. Humanists have become a voice for the non-religious who are, in the most recent CSO figures, the largest group in Ireland after Roman Catholics. This Bill represents a way for us to show that we are inclusive of those increasing numbers in our society who do not share the faith of the majority, and that we respect their values and belief-systems just as we respect those of the many persons who are members of established religious churches.”

“I look forward to continuing debate on the bill when it comes before us in the Seanad at Committee stage.”