February 22, 2008 | Sex & Society

Hand holding on TV causes complaints

"Switchboards at TV3 were jammed with irate callers when Mark McCarron and Paul Kenny became the first male couple to display their affections on the Irish airwaves," reported the Irish Daily Mirror.

The two men were, ahem, holding hands. Nope, not kissing. Nope, not fellating one another. They stood, palm against palm, as they explained on the morning show "Ireland AM" why they preferred same-sex marriage over civil partnerships.

"The interview provoked some strong reaction from our viewers this morning," a spokeswoman for the station acknowledged. "It's a subject our viewers feel passionate about. But although we did receive a number of complaints the overall consensus was in favor of bringing in civil marriage legislation for gay couples."

Ireland will likely see recognition for civil partnerships very soon according to Ireland's Minister of Justice, Brian Lenihan.

"This government, as our agreed program reflects, is committed to full equality of opportunity for all in our society," he said. "In particular, we are committed to providing a more supportive and secure legal environment for same-sex couples."

And though not officially marriage, gay couples would find legal protections and new rights for their unions. As long as they don't hold hands, of course!