However, in Northern Ireland, the battle for marriage equality continues as it’s the only part of the British Isles where same-sex couples are unable to have a civil marriage.
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The Justice Minister says the Dáil will discuss it next week, and the first same-sex marriages should take place before the end of the year.
Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald said TDs would begin debating the Bill, which follows the passing of a referendum on same-sex marriage in May, when the Oireachtas returns from its summer recess next week.
However, it is understood that if couples have already applied for a Civil Partnership they will have the option of converting their application into one for marriage.
The Department of Social Protection is going to reduce the fees from €200 to €50.
The bill updates the law on marriage meaning couples will be able to marry without distinction as to their sex. “If Northern Ireland’s politicians continue to fail on equal rights to civil marriage, then it will be left to the Courts”.
The Government said the legislation should be passed in weeks clearing the way for the first marriages to take place before the end of the year.
The Minister said that the Bill will not change the process of registering marriages.
But a Government spokesman said a provision has been included in the new legislation to allow those civil partnerships notifications converted to marriage licences in a “quick and straightforward” manner.
“Similarly, a religious solemniser will not be compelled to solemnise a marriage that is not in accordance with the form of ceremony recognised by the religious body of which he or she is a member”.
Civil partnership will, in general, be closed to new couples.
Other reforms include the recognition of same-sex marriages registered overseas.
In a statement John Lyons, TD and gay rights activist, said, “As a society, we have travelled a long way on the road to equality”.
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A bill to introduce marriage equality was defeated in Ireland’s Parliament as recently as April, and now the Labor party there is suggesting holding a national vote on the issue to prove once-and-for-all its popularity with the people.
