9 February 2012
Finance Bill advances principle of equal treatment for same-sex civil partners – Buttimer
Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has said that the Finance Bill 2012 advances the principle of equal treatment for same-sex civil partners.
Deputy Buttimer said “the government is using the opportunities presented by this Finance Bill to advances the principle of equal treatment, ensuring that civil partners are treated the same as opposite-sex married couples in the tax codes.
“Specifically the Bill addresses issues in relation to maintenance arrangements for civil partners by providing the same maintenance relief provisions as are available for married couples. The Bill also deals with practical issues that can occur in all relationships. It is proposed to place civil partnerships on the same footing as married relationships where after the break-up of a relationship, often for economic reasons, persons may continue to live under the same roof.
“The Programme for Government committed to enacting legislation to amend tax and social welfare law in respect of civil partnerships. It also outlined that the Government would amend the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabiting Couples Act 2010 to address any anomalies or omissions, including those relating to children.
“In less than one year in office this is the second piece of legislation which amends the tax codes to further the principle of equal treatment for civil partners. Providing for equal treatment in our tax code is essential to achieving equality and for giving practical effect to civil partnerships.”
ENDS