Press release from The Iona Institute

Both sides in campaign need to enter conversation about how to strengthen marriage 

Government should spell out how it will address concerns of those who voted No

There are now clearly two very different views in Irish society about the nature of marriage. However, it remains a fact that marriage still has special status in the Irish Constitution and therefore in Irish society as well.

The Yes side in the marriage referendum said it highly values marriage and this is why it wanted marriage extended to same-sex couples.

The No side clearly also believes in the special value of marriage.

This being so, The Iona Institute believes that both sides should enter a conversation about how to strengthen marriage in Irish society. They should enter a discussion about how to encourage marriage, how to promote marriage and how to reduce rates of marital breakdown.

Both sides also need to enter into a conversation about why marriage is of special benefit to society and how it benefits children. We hope this conversation and dialogue can begin in the coming months.

In addition, The Iona Institute calls on the Government and the Yes side generally to spell out how it will address some of the concerns of the almost 750,000 people who voted No.

Former Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore, said on BBC Radio Foyle this morning that some of these concerns would be addressed. He did not go into specifics.

We believe the Government should be specific. For example, will it go beyond merely banning commercial surrogacy? What will happen when individuals circumvent the proposed ban on commercial surrogacy by going to countries like India to have babies via paid surrogate mothers there?

Will the Government provide any freedom of conscience guarantees to those who do not believe in same-sex marriage?

We hope that the opposition parties will also address these concerns in a constructive manner.