Same-Sex Couple Faces Discrimination from Irish Passport Office

URGENT UPDATE: A same-sex couple in Ireland has publicly called out the Irish Passport Office, alleging discrimination in the processing of their child’s passport application. Robyn Ormond-Collins and Evangeline Jane Collins assert that their experience highlights serious issues surrounding equality and citizenship rights for LGBTQ+ families in Ireland.

The couple’s ordeal began when they submitted an Irish passport application for their son, Wyn Ormond-Collins, born on August 8, 2025, in the United Kingdom. Robyn, an Irish citizen, is Wyn’s genetic parent, while Evangeline is his birth parent. They believed their marriage and Robyn’s citizenship would secure their son’s rights, but the Irish Passport Office has not recognized Robyn’s parental status.

On November 28, 2025, they received a letter from the Department of Foreign Affairs, stating that they must prove genetic parentage, a requirement not imposed on opposite-sex married couples. The couple described the treatment as “deeply discriminatory,” emphasizing that despite being legally married, they are being subjected to scrutiny that heterosexual couples are not.

“We believe this treatment would not be applied to a heterosexual married couple,” they stated. Their attempts to resolve the matter have been met with obstacles, and they report feeling “exhausted, hurt, and personally targeted” by a system that should ensure equal treatment for all families.

The couple has reached out to local politicians, including all Waterford TDs, advocating for broader systemic changes that would better protect the rights of LGBTQ+ parents and their children. They argue that their case is not isolated and reflects outdated practices that fail to recognize modern family structures.

“Our hope is to bring this matter to light, to ensure all children of same-sex couples are treated with equality, dignity, and fairness,” they said. The couple emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues, as they fear for the future treatment of LGBTQ+ families in Ireland.

As they continue to advocate for their son’s rights and those of other families, the couple urges the public to be aware of how institutions are handling cases involving same-sex families. They believe this situation exposes significant gaps in the Irish legal system that need immediate attention.

The couple’s story raises pressing questions about equality and the treatment of LGBTQ+ families in Ireland, underscoring the need for urgent reforms. As developments unfold, many in the community are rallying behind them, calling for immediate action to ensure fair treatment for all families, regardless of their structure.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.