Irish Deputy Prime Minister promises equal marriage referendum by 2015
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste), Eamon Gilmore, has promised a referendum on same-sex marriage will be held before the next general election.
Mr Gilmore confirmed the referendum at a Labour Youth Conference in Limerick over the weekend.
Ireland’s Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) welcomed the remarks.
GLEN chair, Kieran Rose said: “We strongly welcome the commitment by the Tánaiste to hold a referendum in the lifetime of this government.
“We believe that the people of Ireland will continue their warm acceptance of lesbian and gay couples and families and that a yes vote can be carried in a referendum that would provide access to civil marriage.”
In April, the Constitutional Convention voted to ask the Irish Government to legislate for same-sex marriage. The government has until the end of the month to decide to accept that proposal and set a date for the referendum.
Civil partnerships became legal in the country in February 2011.