Politicians welcome victory for same-sex marriage in Ireland
Politicians and campaigners have hailed a victory for equality in Ireland, as the country passed same-sex marriage by popular vote.
Citizens in Ireland voted yesterday on a proposal to introduce civil same-sex marriage in the country.
After the campaign against same-sex marriage conceded defeat earlier today, and Ireland’s Equality Minister predicted that the country had voted yes, the official result was announced this afternoon.
62.1% percent voted for the measure, with 37.9% percent voting against. The result was announced in Dublin Castle, to a huge jubilant crowd.
In the UK, politicians from across the spectrum have welcomed the result, with SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, Labour’s Yvette Cooper, Conservative equalities minister Nicky Morgan, and Liberal Democrat Lynne Featherstone all praising the outcome.
Peter Tatchell told PinkNews: “The Irish people have voted for love and equality. Oscar Wilde would be so proud.
“This vote will give hope to millions of same-sex couples around the world who want to marry the person they love.
“Equal marriage is an unstoppable global trend. It’s being advocated by politicians in dozens of parliaments all over the world. The Irish vote is proof of that love can triumph over prejudice and discrimination.”
Others to praise the victory include New York governor Andrew Cuomo and comedian Al Murray.
