The Tánaiste Joan Burton has confirmed that a so-called “conscience clause” for opponents of same-sex marriage will not be put in place.
Ms Burton made the announcement this afternoon were she said she cannot see any situation where businesses would still be allowed to discriminate on the basis of their own beliefs.
Ms Burton said: “If the people in their wisdom decide to agree with the marriage equality referendum, then it will be on the basis of marriage equality. “I don’t actually see how you could operate something which would exclude some people or some institutions from the operation of marriage equality.”
The news comes as there was strong calls from Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, who claims companies should still be able to turn down business from same-sex couples – even if the referendum is passed in two months time. Ms Burton told the Dail the idea cannot be accepted if the public decides on a yes vote.