Rights groups rounded on the Catholic Church today after Bishops called for TDs to be allowed a free vote on new civil partnership laws.

The senior clergy called for the Bill, which stops short of full gay marriage, to have a so-called faith opt-out for registrars who refuse to carry out ceremonies.

Kieran Rose, chair of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (Glen), said Bishops were entitled to their opinion and to rule on who got married in Catholic churches.

But he said: “Civil partnership will address many urgent and pressing issues that thousands of lesbian and gay couples face now.

“It provides a framework of support for two people who love and care for one another.

“It will establish a legal status and standing for same-sex relationships and a comprehensive set of rights, protections and mutually enforceable obligations on the part of civil partners that are comparable to those available to married couples.”

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/rights-groups-round-on-church-2224877.html