In Dublin, the Constitutional Convention in charge of the reform of the Constitution of the Republic of Ireland has approved an amendment, so that «the Constitution be amended to allow civil marriage of same-sex couples and incorporate changes in regard to the parentage, guardianship and the upbringing of children».
 
The Irish Bishops’ Conference has submitted a document asking «sufficient time be given for a society-wide discussion of the fundamental importance of the family based on marriage” before making any permanent changes to the law relative to the institution of marriage, «to evaluate not only the ethical and legal probity of any change to the existing Constitutional definition of marriage but also the potential impact it will have on the relationship between the family and the State, notably in relation to the rights of children».
Marriage is not only «a matter of love and commitment between two people», say the Bishops in the document. «Marriage is about a great deal more than simply love and commitment, whether within a legal framework or without it. However, the distinctive legal recognition given to marriage by the State arises primarily because the institution brings unique qualitative benefits for the children of that marriage and to society».
In the debate in defense of marriage between a man and a woman, among others, Msgr. Leo Philip O’Reilly, Bishop of Kilmore and Chairman of the Bishops’ Committee on Marriage and the Family, spoke out: «Changing the nature of marriage would be a menace to the very society, of which marriage is the cornerstone on which it is built.

«The Catholic Church will continue to promote and try to protect the uniqueness of marriage between a man and a woman, which can best serve our children and our society», said the press office of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, in an invitation to raise the awareness of the civil community, since only the people can decide by voting whether to approve this amendment.
Father Tim Bartlett, a representative of the Catholic Council on Social Affairs in Ulster, said: «It is important for children to have a father and a mother. It’s crucial for the growing process to have both male and female figures; and our society has always recognized this».
 
Just this week, on April 29, the Parliament of Belfast rejected the draft law on same-sex marriages in Northern Ireland.