THE NEXT government should upgrade the Civil Partnership Act to bring it into line with same-sex legislation in Northern Ireland, the Church of Ireland Changing Attitude Ireland group has said. It describes itself as “a network of persons, gay and heterosexual, working for the full affirmation of gay and lesbian persons in the Church of Ireland and other Christian denominations”. In a statement that welcomed the introduction of civil partnership in the Republic on New Year’s Day, and “the broad range of benefits that same-sex couples will now be entitled to under the new law”, the group’s secretary, Canon Charles Kenny, pointed out that the Act was still “second class” when compared to the legal situation in Northern Ireland. [Continue Reading]
In the Press
Coverage of Changing Attitude Ireland's work in the press, with most recent articles appearing first. For an overview of all press coverage on one page, visit the In the Press sitemap page.
Irish Times: Partnership laws come into force
New laws allowing same-sex couples to register their civil partnership have received a mixed reception as they come into force. The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (Glen) described the Civil Partnership Act as a “new dawn” for gays and lesbians in Ireland, but another group condemned the Government’s failure to give full marriage rights to same-sex couples. LGBT Noise criticised the lack of parental rights for homosexuals and called on the Government to follow the example of other countries and “open up the choice of civil marriage to all citizens”. [Continue Reading]
Belfast Telegraph: Having a look at new attitudes
A group called Changing Attitude Ireland will be celebrating Communion and holding its AGM in St George’s Church, High Street, Belfast on October 2. The address will be given by former British Methodist Vice-President David Walton, also the main speaker at Grosvenor House on October 1. His topic will be: “The challenge and invitation to include lesbian and gay people in church life.” [Continue Reading]
CAI at Derry Gay Pride Parade 2010
Members of the Church of Ireland from St Columb’s Cathedral, Derry participated with Changing Attitude Ireland in Derry’s first ever Pride Parade on Saturday 28th August. According to the Revd Mervyn Kingston, Secretary of the Church of Ireland group Changing Attitude Ireland, which affirms gay persons in the Church, the event “shows that attitudes in Ireland are becoming more accepting of gay persons”. However, he called on other clergy to “join with him in condemning the homophobic attack on a gay man in the city centre by four youths later in the day”. [Continue Reading]
Belfast Telegraph: Derry’s ‘pride’ over first gay parade
History is being made today as Londonderry prepares to stage its first ever Gay Pride Festival. Mayor of Derry Colum Eastwood will join the march along with numerous local politicians standing in solidarity with the city’s gay community. The colourful procession gathers at the Waterside Train Station this afternoon, in preparation for the one mile march to the city centre. [Continue Reading]
Belfast Gay Pride media round-up
RTE TV news on Saturday 2nd August (included brief interview with CAI supporter, and now new member, Rev. Chris Hudson of All Souls non-subscribing Presbyterian church, Elmwood Avenue, Belfast. TG4 TV news on Saturday 2nd August (included shot of Rev Charles Kenny, Rev. Chris Hudson (in clerical collar) and Gareth H. -with ‘Gay, Proud and […]
Trade Union TV-Ireland: Belfast Pride 2010
Changing Attitude Ireland takes part in their third annual Belfast Gay Pride Parade. Thousands marched through the streets of Belfast in support of LGBTQ rights. The Trade Union movement along with many other workplaces solidly turned out to demonstrate their commitment to fight for equality in the workplace. [Continue Reading]
Gay Community News: Cork Gay Carol Controversy
An LGBT carol service held in Cork last night, December 17, has been both welcomed and criticised by Irish clergy. The service attended by scores of gay and lesbian persons, their families and friends was organised by the Church of Ireland pro-gay group Changing Attitude Ireland and took place at St Anne’s, Shandon, Church of Ireland church in the city. A Cork city Presbyterian Minister, the Revd John Faris condemned what he claimed was the “promotion of the homosexual lifestyle” and added “Maybe a church leader shouldn’t be criticising other churches, but with something like this, a line is crossed”. [Continue Reading]
The Irish News: Allow gay people to be ordained: canon
A pro-gay Church of Ireland priest has called on all Churches in Ireland to allow gay and lesbian ordinations. Belfast-based Canon Charles Kenny was speaking after attending the city’s Gay Pride parade on Saturday in his role as representative of the Changing Attitudes Ireland group. Revellers turned out in force to mark the annual celebration of the gay community in Northern Ireland in an event which passed off without incident. [Continue Reading]
Belfast News Letter: Orange anger at Church gay row
A PLAN to “celebrate diversity” at a high-profile Church of Ireland service has been scrapped after the Loyal Orders withdrew over the involvement of a pro-gay lobby group. The symbolic service, held during the Church’s annual General Synod in Armagh, to be attended by the Roman Catholic Cardinal, Sean Brady, would have been the spiritual focal point of what is effectively the denomination’s parliament. [Continue Reading]
