2015.07.16
Ireland's Historic Decision to Say 'Yes' to Marriage Equality
First Country in the world to introduce full marriage equality following a popular vote
Ireland became the first country in the world to introduce full civil marriage equality for all its people, regardless of their sexual orientation, by way of a universal ballot.
In the historic ballot the Irish electorate voted by 62.1% to 37.9% to endorse an amendment to the Irish Constitution asserting that “‘Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.” Ireland now becomes the 19th country in the world to approve the freedom to marry for same-sex couples, and the first to do so by a popular ballot.
Amnesty International Ireland campaigned for a Yes vote in the referendum. Amnesty International as a global organization has, since 2007, called on all states to end discrimination in civil marriage laws based upon sexual orientation or gender identity.
Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland said:
“This decision by the Irish people, in a national referendum, is enormously important. It will obviously have profound significance to people here in Ireland, but it will also echo around the world. It sends a message to LGBTI people everywhere that they, their relationships and their families matter. That they are entitled to the same human rights as their straight brothers and sisters, and to the full and equal protection of the law.“It sends a powerful signal to governments and states which continue to discriminate against LGBTI people and violate their human rights. Most importantly it sends a message of hope to those all over the world who fight for justice, freedom and equality”.
The referendum was held just over two years after the Constitutional Convention, a citizen’s assembly established by the Irish Government, recommended that the Irish Constitution be amended to allow for civil marriage for same-sex couples.
The referendum victory is the result of many years of campaigning by civil society groups including Marriage Equality, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network).
source: Amnesty International
http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/press-releases/amnesty-international-welcomes-ireland-s-historic-decision-to-say-yes-to-marriage-equality-0
