Three Fianna Fail Senators have resigned the party whip over the Civil Partnership Bill.
The bill which provides rights for same-sex and cohabiting couples passed through the Dail last week.
John Hanafin, Jim Walsh and Labhrás O’Mhurchú are among a small number of senators opposed to the civil partnership legislation on the grounds that it will weaken the institution of marriage.
Senator Jim Walsh said he is compelled to follow his conscience.
He also apologised to the Taoiseach and his party for the decision he has made.
“In relinquishing the whip I would like to say that I regret any difficulty my stand imposes and causes to either the Taoiseach or the Minister for Justice” he said.
“My stand has caused me some angst I will have to say”.
“I’m a member of this Fianna Fail party for some 42 years, as a public representative for 36 years – and it has not been easy to take the position I’ve taken” he added.
Earlier, Senator Walsh said while he can accept diversity in society he cannot accept anything that damages the institution of marriage.
“Existing marriage rights should remain unique to marriage because of the uniquely pro-child nature of marriage” he said.
“It is not discrimination to treat a unique institution – like the marriage of a man and a woman – in a unique manner” he added.
But with cross party support the Bill is expected to pass all stages tomorrow and go to the President for signature.
Senator Lisa McDonald says it is time for Irish society to try and become one of equality once and for all.
“Somebody said to me yesterday, I got – as we all have gotten – a lot of phone calls on this issue; I said to the person ‘Just live and let live’” she said.
“They said ‘That’s what we were doing until you lot brought in that Bill’ – nobody can tolerate that level of racism in our society”.
“We as leaders are incumbent upon us to leave religion outside the door, and to treat every single person that we govern with the respect and equality that they deserve” she added.
The openly gay Senator David Norris says there is nothing revolutionary or visionary about this legislation.
He says it does not go far enough and deliver gay marriage.
“Murders can marry, child abusers can marry, burglars and bank robbers can marry, ex-priests and ex-nuns can marry” he said.
“Yet I – a member of this House in good standing – have no such right”.
“I find myself in the position that is complained of universally in the gay community of being deprived of full equality” he added.
