Same sex marriage a civil rights issue says councillor

A Mullingar councillor has voiced her support for same sex marriage.

 Speaking at this month's meeting of Mullingar Municipal District, Sinn Fein's Sorca Clarke called on her fellow councillors to show their support for same sex marriage in advance next spring's referendum on the issue.

"It is my firmly held belief that the issue of marriage equality is the civil rights issue of this generation”“ she said.

"This is not a simple case of LGBT men and women being allowed by society to marry, in my opinion that is just condescending. This is an issue about society recognising and enshrining in our constitution the legal status and protection of all its citizens regardless of sexuality. It is a very personal decision by any couple to marry and as a society we must respect that choice.”

 She continued: “We have shown a real desire to be an inclusive society and to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and their families. This call for support is a step that we as a municipal area need to take to ensure our communities are inclusive and respectful of all."