Norris v. A.G. [1983] IESC 3; [1984] IR 36 (22 April 1983)

Norris v. A.G. [1983] IESC 3; [1984] IR 36 (22 April 1983)

The Supreme Court held that the impugned statutes criminalising homosexual acts between consenting adult males are not inconsistent with the Constitution. The Court found that the State is entitled to legislate in the area of private morality, particularly where such conduct is regarded as morally wrong, potentially...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[1984] IR 36
Parties
Plaintiff: David Norris; Defendant: The Attorney General
Jurisdiction
Ireland
Judgment Date
22 April 1983
Procedural Posture
Constitutional Challenge (civil Appeal) / Supreme Court Appeal From High Court
Outcome
Appeal dismissed; statutes upheld as constitutional.
Legal Topics
Decriminalisation of Homosexuality, Right to Privacy, Equality Before the Law, Personal Rights, Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Association, Interpretation of Pre Constitutional Statutes
Constitutional Law Criminal Law Human Rights Decriminalisation of Homosexuality Right to Privacy Equality Before the Law Personal Rights Freedom of Expression +2 more

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Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

David Norris

Plaintiff

The Attorney General

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Constitutional Challenge (civil Appeal) / Supreme Court Appeal From High Court

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether ss. 61 and 62 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861, and s. 11 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1885, are inconsistent with the Irish Constitution and thus not continued in force by Article 50
  2. 2 Whether the criminalisation of homosexual acts between consenting adult males violates constitutional rights to privacy, equality, bodily integrity, freedom of expression, and association

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court held that the impugned statutes criminalising homosexual acts between consenting adult males are not inconsistent with the Constitution. The Court found that the State is entitled to legislate in the area of private morality, particularly where such conduct is regarded as morally wrong, potentially harmful to public health, and inimical to the institution of marriage. The right to privacy is not absolute and does not override the State's interest in upholding public morality and protecting marriage. The Court also held that international conventions and foreign court decisions are not binding in the interpretation of the Irish Constitution. The plaintiff was found to...

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; statutes upheld as constitutional.

Orders

  • Plaintiff's claim for a declaration of inconsistency refused.
  • No relief granted to the plaintiff.