Bishop Kevin Doran has spoken out in opposition to legalising same-sex marriage, saying that its potential introduction to Ireland would redefine the very meaning of marriage.

The leader of the Elphin diocese said: “The unique relationship between marriage and procreation would disappear completely from the definition of marriage.”

“One might even ask, why in that case would the State restrict marriage to two people? What, in the final analysis, is the difference between a ‘sexual friendship’ (in which the State has no interest) and a marriage?” Bishop Doran added.

Speaking at an event in Roscommon town organised by the Iona Institute, Bishop Doran said that his comments should not be seen as a criticism of gay lifestyles, but rather raise the question of what a marriage is.

The Irish Times said the bishop’s comments would be seen as the first move by the Catholic Church in Ireland to oppose same-sex marriage in a referendum next year.

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