Ireland overwhelmingly accepts same-sex marriage

The Republic of Ireland has voted to legalize same-sex marriage in a historic referendum. More than 3.2 million people were asked whether they wanted to amend the country's constitution to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. Government ministers have said they believe it will pass, while prominent 'No' campaigners have conceded defeat. Counting started at 9h BST on Saturday morning (23 May). An "unusually high" turnout was reported.

ILGA-Europe has congratulated Ireland for the vote, which it says is "in favour of equality, dignity and respect for all families".

ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board Co-Chairman Paulo Côrte-Real said: “On behalf of the European LGBTI movement, we sincerely congratulate Ireland, its politicians, human rights activists and the Irish people for taking such an important step towards a society where all people can enjoy the benefits and protections of the institution of marriage regardless of their gender and sexual orientation. Our Board, who is meeting in Dublin on this historic day, is delighted to witness the referendum result first hand. Although it is our firm stand that human rights issues should not be put to a referendum, the specificities of the Irish system required this vote and we are very happy to see that human rights have indeed prevailed as a result of this process.”

ILGA-Europe’s Executive Board Co-Chair Joyce Hamilton added: “The Irish people have spoken. Their message is clear – they want to live in a society which embraces and includes everyone, a society that affirms that equality is part of its core values. Beyond the positive outcome of the vote, the campaign itself has proved to be an extraordinary example of profound social change, openness and compassion. Today’s legal change cements an admirable and inspirational change in people’s hearts and minds in the country’s constitution.”

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