Children of same-sex couples face legal gaps in inheritance

Labour Party Senator Laura Harmon, the only openly gay woman in the Oireachtas, said the momentum seen in the 2010s — with the Marriage Equality and Repeal the Eighth referendums — appears to have stalled in recent years.

“This Cork Pride season, we celebrated 10 years of marriage equality and the progress made in Ireland, but it is equally important to remember that Pride is protest,” said the Cork woman.

“There are countless problems still impacting the LGBTQI+ community, such as access to trans healthcare. The Labour Party and I have been calling on Government to improve access to gender-affirming care and to reform the legal gender recognition systems in Ireland.”

She also raised concerns about gaps in legal protection for same-sex families.

“Many children born to same-sex couples are facing not only symbolic marginalisation but trouble accessing inheritance and protection following the death of a parent,” she said.

“Complete marriage equality should ensure that all parents and children are entitled to equal rights.”

The Labour Party’s Children and Family Relationships (Amendment) Bill 2023 is currently before the Dáil. It aims to close legal gaps for LGBTQI+ parents and ensure full parental recognition.

While Senator Harmon acknowledged the slowing of progress, she remains hopeful.

“We must continue the fight for equality for all marginalised groups — and Cork has always been a hub of activism.”

This year’s Cork Pride was held under the theme ‘A Fearless Future’, celebrating LGBTQIA+ identity, resilience, and community, while also marking the ten-year anniversary of marriage equality in Ireland.