IRELAND: Immigration Rights Granted To Gay Couples In Civil Partnerships

Gay couples in civil partnerships have been included in Ireland's immigration reform bill.

According to gay group GLEN, inclusion of civil partners in immigration law will build on progress already made in providing recognition for same-sex couples in immigration regulations. In provisions for people in de facto relationships, non EU same-sex partners of Irish or EU nationals are now entitled to apply for permission to remain in the state on the basis of their relationship. GLEN director of policy change Eoin Collins said: “This is a very important advance and will help deliver greater security for same-sex couples worried about separation due to immigration difficulties.”

Ireland's civil partnerships law goes into effect on January 1st. Binational gay couples in the United States remain screwed.