DUBLIN FOOTBALLER GER Brennan has become the latest high profile GAA player to back a ‘No’ vote ahead of the marriage equality referendum in nine days’ time.
Last week, Tipperary hurler Kieran Bergin appeared on leaflets saying that the union of marriage should stay between a man and a woman. Brennan has gone one step further by writing an op-ed piece for the Irish Independent outlining why people should vote no.
In it, he says he supports equality but argues that children deserve the right to have a mother and a father. Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show this morning, he explained his stance.
Advertisement
“I have spent the last couple of weeks thinking about how I was going to vote,” he said. “It is something I have thought long and deeply about and I have discussed it with a lot of my friends and family.
There are two main motivating factors to writing the piece. Firstly, those considering voting no have been treated awfully in many cases. The second reason, and more importantly, is my conscience and how I feel, particularly around the protection of children’s rights.
“I tried to make the article as honest and as empathic as possible while stating what side of the fence I’m sitting on.
“There has to be equality in homosexual and hetrosexual relationships but for me I think it is already there in Article 40 of the Constitution, which states all citizens of our land are equal.
He added: “I would 100% vote yes on extending marriage to same sex civil partnerships tomorrow, provided there was an amendment in the referendum that protected the rights of a child where possible so they could have a relationship with their biological parents.”
Brennan also remarked that he is aware that he will be vilified by certain members of the public over his stance.
The ‘Yes’ campaign has gained much more support from Irish sport stars with the likes of Brian O’Driscoll, Derval O’Rourke, Peter O’Mahony and Donal Óg Cusack getting on board.
Dublin star Ger Brennan throws his weight behind the 'No' campaign
DUBLIN FOOTBALLER GER Brennan has become the latest high profile GAA player to back a ‘No’ vote ahead of the marriage equality referendum in nine days’ time.
Last week, Tipperary hurler Kieran Bergin appeared on leaflets saying that the union of marriage should stay between a man and a woman. Brennan has gone one step further by writing an op-ed piece for the Irish Independent outlining why people should vote no.
In it, he says he supports equality but argues that children deserve the right to have a mother and a father. Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show this morning, he explained his stance.
“I have spent the last couple of weeks thinking about how I was going to vote,” he said. “It is something I have thought long and deeply about and I have discussed it with a lot of my friends and family.
“I tried to make the article as honest and as empathic as possible while stating what side of the fence I’m sitting on.
“There has to be equality in homosexual and hetrosexual relationships but for me I think it is already there in Article 40 of the Constitution, which states all citizens of our land are equal.
He added: “I would 100% vote yes on extending marriage to same sex civil partnerships tomorrow, provided there was an amendment in the referendum that protected the rights of a child where possible so they could have a relationship with their biological parents.”
Brennan also remarked that he is aware that he will be vilified by certain members of the public over his stance.
The ‘Yes’ campaign has gained much more support from Irish sport stars with the likes of Brian O’Driscoll, Derval O’Rourke, Peter O’Mahony and Donal Óg Cusack getting on board.
Listen to the full Newstalk interview with Pat Kenny here
2 Munster champions sidelined for Limerick hurlers but 4 other injury concerns clear
‘Every time expectation rises Cork seem to let you down’ – Ciarán Whelan
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Brian O'Driscoll Equality referendum Ger Brennan marref Peter O'Mahony Dublin St. Vincent / Grenadines