Ireland votes for same sex marriage

• notices and features
• 9 years ago
• Categories: Europe, human rights, identity, International, uk politics

This is a result that would have been inconceivable a few decades ago.  Staunchly catholic Ireland has voted to legalise same sex marriages.

From the Guardian:

Ireland has voted by a huge majority to legalise same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in the world to do so by popular vote in a move hailed as a social revolution and welcomed around the world.

Some 62% of the Irish Republic’s electorate voted in favour of gay marriage. The result means that a republic once dominated by the Catholic church ignored the instructions of its cardinals and bishops. The huge Yes vote marks another milestone in Ireland’s journey towards a more liberal, secular society.

Out of an electorate of more than 3 million, 1,201,607 backed gay marriage, while 734,300 voters said No. The result prompted a massive street party around the gay district of central Dublin close to the national count centre.

Comhghairdeas Éire. Do dhaoine tar éis labhairt.

(Congratulations Ireland. Your people have spoken) – H/t Louisa Wall