No side arguments exposed by independent Referendum Commission- Coveney

The Director of Elections for the Fine Gael Marriage Equality Campaign, Minister Simon Coveney TD, has welcomed this morning’s (Wednesday) clarification from the Chair of the Referendum Commission Justice Kevin Cross that the upcoming referendum is not about surrogacy, adoption or a right to parenthood.

“It was great to hear some clarity injected into the debate on the marriage referendum this morning by the Chair of the Referendum Commission, Kevin Cross. It’s important to remember that the Referendum Commission is an independent body, tasked with presenting the unbiased facts. Justice Cross exposed the no side arguments this morning, confirming that this referendum is not about adoption or surrogacy, and if passed, would not confer a right to parenthood on anybody. He clarified that there is no such thing as an automatic right to parenthood and he also confirmed that nobody has a right to adopt or have a surrogate child and a yes vote will not change that whatsoever.

“The no side have consistently relied on these issues to muddy the waters in this debate. They have failed to put forward a single positive constructive argument as to why the public should side with their point of view. They don’t feel the need to. Instead, with their false arguments about children and parenthood, they seek to confuse people just enough to plant that seed of doubt in someone’s mind that might convince them to vote no. I hope Justice Cross has allayed any concerns people may have in relation to these matters this morning.

“The fact is that gay people can already have children and adopt. This referendum will not change that in any way. In fact, extending civil marriage to gay people will only serve to provide more stability and security for any children they already have.

“Justice Cross also confirmed that this is not about the religious sacrament of marriage and introducing marriage equality will in no way affect anyone’s existing marriage. Furthermore, the churches will still have the right to decide who can and cannot get married in their church.

“Unlike the no side, we have a positive story to tell when we ask people to consider voting yes. This referendum is simply about extending the right to civil marriage to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation. Marriage equality can only be positive for Ireland because society is stronger when we commit to each other and support each other.

“A yes vote would send a strong message of acceptance and respect to all young gay people in this country. There is absolutely no reason to deny them the same rights to marry as their brothers, sisters and friends.

“The next ten days are going to decide this referendum. On the yes side we will continue to tell our story about how passing this referendum will have a positive impact on the lives of gay people all over Ireland; our own relatives, friends and neighbours. I appeal to everyone in this debate to stick to the facts and to tell the truth. The intervention of Justice Kevin Cross this morning made clear exactly what those facts are. This Referendum is solely about extending the right to civil marriage to same-sex couples. We cannot underestimate the importance of sending a strong message to all gay people from their State, from their fellow citizens, telling them that they are equal and should be treated as such.”