Deputy Jerry Buttimer has welcomed the publication of the Finance Bill (No. 3) 2011 as being “another step towards equality”. The Bill, published today by the Minister for Finance, provides that civil partners will receive the same treatment as married couples in respect of income tax, stamp duty, capital acquisitions tax, capital gains tax and VAT.
“This Bill will give real and practical effect to the newly introduced Civil Partnership. It will allow registered same-sex and opposite-sex couples to the same tax treatment as married couples. It is another step along the road towards equality.
“The legal frame work and tax code are finally catching up with civil society. The recognition by the State of committed relationships outside of marriage is long overdue. With Civil Partnerships now a reality, and the Minister’s proposals for equal tax treatment we are making progress towards equality but there is a long road ahead.
“Today’s announcement by the Minister is proof that the work of all those who have campaigned for equality of civil partnerships has been worthwhile. Also it shows that with time our continued efforts to achieve equality will be successful.”