Marriage equality is a human rights issue say local tds

Marriage equality for homosexual couples is a human rights issue, according to Deputies Robert Troy and James Bannon.

With the Marriage Equality Referendum set to take place this spring, the Westmeath Examiner contacted the four Longford Westmeath TDs this week for their views.

Deputy Troy said that he would be “fully supporting” a 'yes’ vote in the referendum.

“People are entitled to the same rights whether they are gay or heterosexual. It’s a constitutional referendum and I will be happy to debate my rationale for supporting the issue.”

Stressing that everyone is “entitled to their own opinion”, Deputy Troy said that his decision to support the referendum is “based on equality”.

“Every citizen should be afforded the same rights, just as everyone has the same responsibilities, they should have the same rights.

“Of course people will disagree, and that’s democracy, and I am happy to talk to anyone about my views. I see it as a fundamental human right that every citizen has the same rights and I have no problem explaining it.”

Legan native James Bannon also voiced his support for marriage equality when contacted by the Examiner.

“This is a civil rights issue, as far as I am concerned. It’s just changing and improving the law for ordinary people who work, pay taxes and play a constructive part in their communities.”

While he admitted that he said that he was “unsure” if a majority of the electorate in Longford Westmeath would vote yes in the referendum, Deputy Bannon said that as “citizens, each and every one of us have a role to play in achieving a right to equality”.

“At the end of the day it will be the people’s decision.”

Deputy Willie Penrose said that while the Labour Party may be supporting a yes vote, he “won’t be advising people to do anything”.

“Let people make up their own minds. People can evaluate the thing from their own perspective. It’s a personal choice. I know a family of four, and two are for it and two are against. People will have to give serious consideration to the issue.”

As for his own intentions, the Labour veteran was playing his cards very close to his chest.

“I’m easy, I’ll make my own mind up over a number of months.”

Gabrielle McFadden, TD, had not responded by the time of going to press yesterday, Monday, evening.