Public debate on the marriage equality referendum

The DCU School of Law and Government will host a public debate on the marriage equality referendum on Thursday 9 April at 7pm in HG22 in the Nursing building. Speaking in support of the passing of the referendum will be Senator Katherine Zappone and Deputy John Lyons. Senator Zappone is an independent member of Seanad Eireann, having been appointed to that position by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny in May 2011. Deputy Lyons is Labour TD for Dublin North West, in which constituency the University is located, and was formerly a teacher in Ballymun and Finglas.

Speaking in opposition to the passing of the referendum will be Senator Ronan Mullen and Mr. Keith Mills. Senator Mullen is an independent member of Seanad Eireann having been elected in 2007 and 2011 for the NUI constituency. He is a graduate of DCU having received an MA in Journalism in 1993. Keith Mills is spokesperson for the advocacy group Mothers and Fathers Matter, set up to oppose the government's Children and Family Relationships Bill, and which is calling for a no vote in the referendum.

 The debate will be chaired by Newstalk's Shane Coleman and will consist of short talks by our speakers and then the debate will be opened up to the audience.