Two same sex marriages recorded in Offaly last year

Two lesbian or gay couples entered into civil partnerships in Offaly in 2011 according to gay and lesbian equality network GLEN, while a total of four couples signalled their intent to live in Offaly after entering into partnerships. The figures were released by GLEN on Valentine's Day, the same day a wedding album was launched on the organisation's website featuring some of the 536 same sex couples who tied the knot in Ireland last year. The figures for last year run from April 5 - when same sex civil partnerships first became available - to year end and include 1,072 people in total. The figures were provided by the General Registrars Office. Speaking last Tuesday GLEN Chair Kieran Rose said same sex civil partnerships are taking place every day across Ireland. "They are wonderful demonstrations of the love and commitment that lesbian and gay people have for each other, and of the support of their families, friends, neighbours and colleagues," he said.