Ireland same-sex marriage referendum passes

On the 23d of May, 2015 Ireland has become the first country in which same-sex couples have received marriage rights through a popular vote. The Irish Independent is reporting the referendum passed by a 62-38 percent margin.

“It is about removing discrimination,” Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny told NBC News during an interview after voting in support of marriage rights for same-sex couples. “It is about removing inequality. It’s historic, and that’s why I’ll be voting yes.”“Today we are truly a nation of equals,” said YesEquality, the campaign in support of the referendum, in a statement on their website. “The people of Ireland have exercised their Constitutional right and by direct vote they have said an emphatic ‘yes’ to equality.”

Reports indicate thousands of Irish residents who live abroad returned to their homeland in order to vote in support of marriage rights for same-sex couples. The Catholic Church is among those that led opposition to nuptials for gays and lesbians.

“We would like to congratulate the yes side on winning such a handsome victory in the marriage referendum,” said the Iona Institute, which opposes same-sex marriage, in a statement it issued on Saturday. “They fought a very professional campaign that in truth began long before the official campaign started.”

“This is not just a day for Ireland to celebrate, but also a day of significance for people around the world,” said Cobb. “It gives hope to those who feel marginalized that if Ireland can change so can the world.”

Homosexuality was criminalized in Ireland until the early 1990s.