The Knights of Columbanus have expressed opposition to any broadening of the constitutional definition of the family to embrace same-sex relationships and cohabiting couples.
Recognising cohabiting couples in the Constitution would damage the identity of marriage as it is traditionally understood, the Knights yesterday told an Oireachtas committee.
Supreme Advocate Charles Kelly said homosexuals were to be accepted with "respect, compassion and sensitivity" and he condemned all forms of violence, harassment and abuse of gay people.
However, he told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution, there was a "vital distinction" between homosexual behaviour between consenting adults and the formalising of this behaviour in law.
"Recognition of same-sex unions on the same terms as marriage would suggest to future generations and to society as a whole that marriage, as husband and wife and as a same-sex relationship, are equally valid options and an equally valid context for the bringing up of children."
Mr Kelly said legal changes relating to wills and home ownership made redundant the argument that same-sex marriage was necessary to protect human rights.
"When it is balanced against the manner in which it will undermine such a fundamental institution as marriage in the family, it is difficult to see how such a development could be justified in terms of the Government's duty to defend marriage and the common good."
Two other pro-family groups made submissions yesterday to the committee, which plans to produce a report for the Taoiseach by September on how best to amend the law on family rights.
Focus on the Family Ireland said it was opposed to any change in the marriage-based definition of family in the Constitution.
"Family is the glue which holds society together and marriage is the glue that holds families together," Mervyn Nutley, director of the organisation, told the committee.
Extending the constitutional protection of the family to cohabiting couples was not a valid option, he said, because marriage and cohabitation were not equivalent relationships.
"A good marriage is both men's and women's best bet for a long and healthy life."
Citing US research, Mr Nutley claimed that children in cohabiting relationships were statistically more likely to be abused sexually and physically, suffer poverty, experience family breakdown and show problem behaviour.
The Family and Media Association described "homosexual coupling" as "a sterile arrangement" which was "inimical" to the stable environment children needed for healthy development.
