Amending the Constitution to allow same-sex couples to marry would involve the wholesale redefinition of the 
institution of marriage, not simply its extention, the Knights of Columbanus have said in their submission to the Constitutional Convention.
In their submission [1] they say that marriage as it is currently defined “fulfils a crucial function in contributing to family stability in society and provides the ideal context in which a child can enjoy the love and support of a mother and father”.
The submission argues that severing marriage from its association with procreation will reduce marriage “to an adult-centred relationship based on sentiment rather than an institution orientated towards the generation and protection of children”.
International and European human rights treaties impose no obligation on Ireland to legalise same-sex marriage, the document also points out.
Referring to the recent case of Schalk and another v Austria, the submission said that the European Court of Human Rights held that the European Convention on Human Rights “does not impose an obligation on a member state to grant a same sex couple access to marriage”.
The Knights also express the fear that legalising same-sex marriage will have “grave repercussions for the freedom of the Church as well as for Christians and others who in good conscience hold to the traditional understanding of marriage”.
The submission suggests that, under a redefinition of marriage, churches might be forced to carry out same-sex marriage ceremonies, or have their charitable organisations shut down.
It says: “The closure of Catholic adoption agencies in the aftermath of the legalisation of same-sex adoption in England and Wales augurs badly for the ability of the Church to provide its services in a manner consistent with its teaching.
“This concern extends to other domains of ecclesial activity including the curriculum at denominational schools and charitable endeavours.”