Language should be used that does not offend gays, says Martin

The Archbishop of Dublin has distanced himself from controversial comments made on same-sex parenting by the Bishop of Elphin as the country readies itself for a same-sex marriage referendum in May, writes Sarah Mac Donald.

Bishop Kevin Doran caused controversy when he suggested that gay couples with children “are not parents”. At a press conference, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, speaking alongside the Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin, said: “I believe certain types of language are inappropriate. We shouldn’t use phrases that offend.”

At the press briefing the archbishops issued a statement on behalf of the Irish Bishops’ Conference urging people to think carefully before they change the definition of marriage to allow for same-sex marriage.

The referendum on the topic is to take place on 22 May with polls suggesting that the country will vote in favour.

“Are there ways in which the civil rights of gay and lesbian people can be respected without touching the definition of marriage?” the Archbishop of Dublin asked, going on to suggest that civil partnerships were one such way.