Domestic Partnership Options Paper
This paper was prepared by the Working Group on Domestic Partnership. It considers the categories of partnerships and relationships outside of marriage to which legal recognition might be accorded, consistent with Constitutional provisions. It identifies options as to how and to what extent legal recognition could be given to those alternative forms of partnership, including partnerships entered into outside the State, and looks at models in place in other countries.
The options paper focuses on three distinct types of cohabiting relationships: opposite-sex couples, same-sex couples and non-conjugal relationships. A range of options is presented for each. The working group hopes that the options paper will contribute to ongoing public debate and that it will assist in the future formulation of legislative proposals in this area.