Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland

22 May 2015 (2015-05-22)

To permit marriage to be contracted by two persons without distinction as to their sex
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 1,201,607 62.07%
No 734,300 37.93%
Valid votes 1,935,907 99.29%
Invalid or blank votes 13,818 0.71%
Total votes 1,949,725 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 3,221,681 60.52%

How the electorate voted, by constituency.
Proportion of the valid poll voting yes:
Source: Iris Oifigiúil[1]

The Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Act 2015 (previously bill no. 5 of 2015) amended the Constitution of Ireland to permit marriage to be contracted by two persons without distinction as to their sex.[2] Prior to the enactment, the Constitution was assumed to contain an implicit prohibition on same-sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland.[3] It was approved at a referendum on 22 May 2015 by 62% of voters on a turnout of 61%.[1][4] This was the first time that a state legalised same-sex marriage through a popular vote.[5][6] Two legal challenges regarding the conduct of the referendum were dismissed on 30 July by the Court of Appeal,[7] and the bill was signed into law by the President of Ireland on 29 August.[8] An amendment to the Marriage Act 2015 provided for marriages permitted by the new constitutional status. The act came into force on 16 November 2015; the first same-sex marriage ceremony was held on 17 November 2015.[9]

Changes to the text

The amendment inserted a new section 4 to Article 41 of the Constitution. The English text reads:

4. Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.

The Irish text reads:

4. Féadfaidh beirt, gan beann ar a ngnéas, conradh pósta a dhéanamh de réir dlí.

The text in Irish and English is intended to have the same meaning; in the event of a conflict, the Irish version takes precedence.[10][11]

Original Irish wording

The Irish text of the amendment as introduced was:[12]

4. Féadfaidh beirt, cibé acu is fir nó mná iad, conradh a dhéanamh i leith pósadh de réir dlí.

Journalist Bruce Arnold argued against the bill in two articles in The Irish Times, one of which focused on alleged issues with the Irish text.[10][13] Arnold argued that the Irish text describes only same-sex couples, thus rendering opposite-sex marriage illegal.[10] Government sources pointed out the words impugned by Arnold (beirt and cibé acu is fir nó mná) are already used with similar intent elsewhere in the constitution.[14] Counterpoints from legal academics were that Arnold's strict constructionist interpretation would be trumped by the doctrine of absurdity, and that failure to mention opposite-sex marriage would not make it illegal.[14] Some argued that the Irish text should nevertheless be changed to remove all doubts.[14] Enda Kenny announced on 10 March 2015 that such a change would be made.[15] Frances Fitzgerald moved the amendment in the Dáil the following day.[16]

Background

Katherine Zappone (left) and Ann Gilligan (right), with Senator David Norris
Katherine Zappone (left) and Ann Gilligan (right), with Senator David Norris

Katherine Zappone and Ann Louise Gilligan lost a case in the High Court in 2006 for the recognition by Ireland of their Canadian same-sex marriage.[17] The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 instituted civil partnership in Irish law. After the 2011 general election, the Fine Gael and Labour parties formed a coalition government, whose programme included the establishment of a Constitutional Convention to examine potential changes on specified issues, including "Provision for the legalisation of same-sex marriage". The Convention considered the issue in May 2013 and voted to recommend that the state should be required, rather than merely permitted, to allow for same-sex marriage.[18] Its report was formally submitted in July and the government formally responded in December, when Taoiseach Enda Kenny said a referendum would be held "no later than mid-2015".[19] All amendments to the Irish constitution must be approved by the people in a referendum before becoming law.

Some legal academics claimed that extending marriage to same-sex couples did not require a constitutional amendment and could have been accomplished by an ordinary Act of the Oireachtas.[20][21] Then-minister Shatter disagreed in November 2013, stating that there was "ample case law" to the effect that "marriage is understood as being between one man and one woman".[3]

In January 2015, the wording of the proposed amendment was agreed at a special cabinet meeting and published in the press, and the bill was formally introduced in the Dáil by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald.[22][23]

A separate Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 was passed in April 2015. This included adoption rights for same-sex couples – prior to the passing of the Act, single gay or lesbian people, or one of the partners in a same-sex couple could adopt, but joint adoption by both partners was not possible.[24] The general scheme of this bill was published for consultation in January 2014,[25] and in 2015 it was passed by the Dáil on 12 March and the Seanad on 30 March, and signed into law on 6 April.[26][27] As of May 2018 the legislation has only partially been commenced.[28]

Referendum

Badges, in English and in Irish, promoting the "yes" side in the referendum.

Two referendums were held on 22 May 2015, on the marriage bill and another constitutional amendment, to reduce the age of candidacy for the presidency.[29][30] Referendums need a simple majority of the votes cast to pass. A Dáil by-election in Carlow–Kilkenny was held on the same day.[29]

According to the Referendum Commission, if the referendum is passed:[31]

  • Two people of the opposite sex or of the same sex will be able to marry each other.
  • The other detailed rules about who may marry will continue to be set out in legislation.
  • The Constitutional status of marriage will remain unchanged.
  • A marriage between two people of the same sex will have the same status under the Constitution as a marriage between a man and a woman.
  • Married couples of the opposite sex or of the same sex will be recognised as a family and be entitled to the Constitutional protection for families.

Debate

The "No" campaign raised surrogacy as an issue in the campaign, as on the upper poster by Mothers and Fathers Matter. The "Yes" campaign claimed this was irrelevant, as on the lower poster by Fine Gael.[32]

Oireachtas debate

The Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015 was debated in the Dáil on 10 and 11 March 2015. Several deputies from different parties spoke in favour. The only speaker to oppose it was independent TD Mattie McGrath; it was passed without a division (i.e., by voice vote). It was then debated in the Seanad on 25 and 27 March. Votes were held on a number of proposed amendments, all of which were defeated, and the Bill was finally passed by 29 votes to three. Among those speaking in favour was Katherine Zappone, who was a Senator at the time. Those who voted against were Senators Rónán Mullen, Jim Walsh and Feargal Quinn; the opposition amendments were also supported by Senator Fidelma Healy Eames.[33]

Organisations

A Fianna Fáil poster in favour of the amendment

Political parties

All four main parties in the Dáil supported the bill: the governing Fine Gael and Labour, and the opposition Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin. Members of the Green Party, Anti-Austerity Alliance, People Before Profit Alliance, Workers' Party and independents are also on record in support of the amendment.[34] "Yes Equality" was an umbrella campaign by Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN), the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and Marriage Equality.[35]

Religious bodies

Religious bodies in Ireland officially adopted a range of stances to the referendum, though the official church positions were either neutral or in opposition.

Catholic Church

The Catholic Church did not take an official position on the referendum and the Pope did not make any direct comments on his stance. However there were a number of bishops and priests that shared differing views publicly.

In the lead up to the referendum, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin confirmed that while he planned to vote No, he was not affiliated with any No campaign and had "never told people how to vote and encouraged "everyone to vote and to reflect carefully".[36] Shortly before the referendum, Eamon Martin urged Catholics to reflect on their decision but avoided telling members how to vote.[37]

In December 2014 the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference shared their opposition on same-sex marriage, and distributed a booklet to all parishes.[38][39] The Bishops' document stated that marriage "provides for the continuation of the human race and the development of human society”. It posited that same sex marriage would “redefine the nature of marriage" and "undermine it as the fundamental building block of our society.” When the document was launched, the Bishop of Clogher Liam MacDaid shared that the intention was to outline the “Christian understanding of marriage.”.[40] However the interest of a Church in a No vote was called into question by some, with the Irish Catholic noting only 10% of Irish Catholics were expected to receive the leaflet.[41]

Opposition to same sex marriage was not a view universally held within the Irish Catholic clergy and The Irish Times reporting that there was "significant disquiet" from parish clergy about the impact of the bishops stance on gay people and on the church.[42]

From January onwards, a number of Catholic priests started to publicly express disappointment with the approach taken by the bishops in opposing same sex civil marriage and/or support of a Yes vote. In January Fr. Martin Dolan, Roman Catholic priest at the Church of St Nicholas of Myra came out to his congregation and called on their support in voting Yes in the referendum.[43][44] Augustinian Catholic priest Fr. Iggy O' Donovan shortly followed in openly declaring his intention to vote for same-sex marriage. Writing in a national newspaper he shared that while churches can have different views and variations of those views, in referendums "we legislate for ALL our fellow citizens". He encouraged others to "remember the difference between civil and religious law."[45] Later speaking to the Irish Independent, he expressed that while he believed in "Catholic teaching on marriage", following years of pastoral work with gay Catholics, he felt that other peoples different views should be respected, and he should not be imposing his own on them. He also said we should be sensitive to get things right, referencing the scandal surrounding Cardinal Keith O' Brien[46] who had been one of the loud proponents against homosexuality and same sex marriage, but later faced allegations of sexual misconduct from fellow priests[47][48] and was reported to have been in a long-term same-sex relationship.[49]

In March 2015 the Association of Catholic Priests, representing more than 1000 Irish priests, declared it would not take a position in the referendum.[50] This decision was taken following member consultation with a released statement saying "The ACP asserts the particular responsibility that devolves on priests to measure their words carefully, and not to direct their parishioners to vote Yes or No."[51]

In May the Catholic Bishops Conference shared a message entitled 'Care for the Covenant of Marriage’ where Archbishop Eamon Martin reiterating the bishops position on the referendum. In this message he said "The Irish bishops have already said that we cannot support an amendment to the Constitution which redefines marriage and effectively places the union of two men, or two women, on a par with the marriage relationship between a husband and wife which is open to the procreation of children."[52] Eamon Martin did not explicitly call for a No vote but expressed concerns about the consequence of a Yes vote.[53]

As the referendum drew closer, more priests shared their support for a Yes vote including Fr. Gerald Moloney who wrote of his intention in the Irish Times. He expressed that while he viewed marriage as a sacrament he felt "citizens of the State" could decide "how they define marriage and who can enter it".[54] Gweedore priest Fr. Brian Ó Fearraigh announced his support for a Yes vote, making the decision as he felt the referendum gave "statutory recognition and protection to the relationships of people regardless of their sex".[55] As more priests announced their intentions to vote Yes, the Washington Post reported on the growing number of Irish priests coming out against the stance of the church leadership in Ireland.[56]

Church of Ireland

The Church of Ireland announced in February 2015 that it would not be taking a stance on the referendum, instead encouraging members to vote according to their conscience.[57][58] A spokesperson for the church said that while marriage between one man and one woman was the "basis on which the Church's liturgy for marriage is used" the Church "also recognises that a state has a duty and responsibility to legislate for its citizens". He encouraged members of the Church to vote "when the State consults on matters, such as the civil definition of marriage.[59]

Two Church of Ireland bishops had publicly called for a Yes vote. As early as May 2014, Paul Colton, Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, had signalled his support for a yes vote.[60] He was joined by the Rt Revd Michael Burrows of Cashel, Ferns & Ossory in April 2015.[61] Speaking at the School of Ecunemics at Trinity College he said “...all too often we have allowed ourselves to be left behind defending the essentially indefensible". He declared his intention to vote yes for same sex marriage, saying it would be "a contribution to a fairer and more truly equal Ireland" and "I cannot see any way in which it could be considered repugnant to the common good, or indeed to the vital role of the family". The Rev Canon Ginnie Kennerley, who had been the first woman cathedral canon in Ireland,[62] also supported a Yes vote, saying there were “conflicts between factuality and scripture”. She said "There has always been disagreement on what is and is not permitted by the bible,” and mentioned these conflicts had always existed "...over the flat earth, over slavery, over evolution, over apartheid, over the position of women.”[61]

In March 2015 Ferran Glenfield, an evangelical Church of Ireland bishop,[63][50] signalled his support for a No Vote in the referendum.

On 7 May, at a Changing Attitude Ireland event, former Archdeacon of Dublin, Gordon Linney said "We are being given an opportunity on May 22 finally to show the gay community that we value them for who they are. We welcome them as they are fully into society and so give them the recognition they are entitled to and that those who are in stable relationships and wish to marry should be allowed to do so. Marriage is a civil contract. No church will be forced to solemnise any union it does not approve of."[64]

Presbyterian Church

On 22 April 2015, the leaders of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland issued a statement advocating a no vote, saying "the change proposed in the same-sex marriage referendum denies the rights of children and the natural responsibilities of a father and a mother in nurturing them".[65]

Islam in Ireland

On 15 April a petition was initiated by religious groups including the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, the Irish Council of Imams, and the Galway branch of the Reformed Presbyterian Church on 15 April called for a "conscience clause", this which would allow individuals and businesses to discriminate against same-sex couples in the provision of goods and services. In response, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: "The Government has made its decision very clear here in respect to the question that the people will be asked on the 22nd of May. That question of course is to give their approval, if they see fit and I hope they do, to allow for marriage in civil law irrespective of sexual orientation." Labour TD Brendan Howlin said "The one issue at the core of this referendum is equality under the Constitution and anything else is extraneous."[66]

The Islamic Centre in Ireland issued a statement on the referendum 17 April stating that "As Muslims we must believe in equality and inclusiveness. People should not be discriminated for any reason. It is important to humanise people and not to de humanise. The Islamic tradition teaches to hate the sin but not the sinner. The attitude of some Muslims towards homosexuals is incompatible with the spirit of mercy and kindness in Islam. The Irish constitution guarantees all Irish citizens the freedom of conscience and Muslims must exercise this right when voting on 22nd May 2015."[67]

Methodist Church

In February 2015, the Methodist Church in Ireland issued a statement supporting the traditional view of marriage as being between a man and woman.[68]

Inter-Faith and Lay Organisations

In December 2015, Dr. Richard O'Leary of Church of Ireland LGBT group Changing Attitude Ireland challenged the Catholic Bishops Conference definition of marriage saying that "view of marriage as being essentially about reproduction rather than being primarily a loving stable relationship was contrary to how many Christians understood their own marriages.” In January, the group welcomed the publication of the wording of the Referendum text saying that marriage should be "available to couples without distinction as to their sex", just as civil marriage "may be contracted by two persons without distinction as to their race or religion".[57] Changing Attitude had been one of the first groups to welcome the referendum back in May 2014, then noting that "In the forthcoming referendum on marriage Christians will be campaigning on both sides".[69]

In January 2015 Irish lay Catholic group We Are Church Ireland gave its “unanimous support” for a Yes vote in the referendum.[70] They stated that “loving, committed relationships between two consenting adults should be treated equally by the Irish State, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.” Spokesperson Brendan Butler shared “The proposed referendum will not redefine marriage but rather refine it to make it more inclusive and so enhance the meaning of marriage”.[41]

n February 2015 the Faith in Marriage Equality (FiME) group was founded. This inter-faith coalition group included Changing Attitudes Ireland, We Are Church Ireland and Gay Catholic Voice Ireland to represent people of faith voting Yes in the referendum. Richard O' Leary representing Changing Attitude Ireland said "So far we haven’t heard the voices of people of faith saying that they will be voting yes and that this is consistent with their faith's values. "Our understanding of faith is that marriage is based on love and commitment and this is the case for heterosexual and same-sex couples." [71][72]Retired Archdeacon Gordon Linney joined the launch event to call for a Yes vote. Calling it a "civil matter" he said "Personally, I think the claim of the churches to own marriage in any sense just doesn't stand up because marriage was there long, long before there was ever a Christian church."[73]

The Iona Institute, a right-wing conservative mainly-Catholic religious think tank, also opposed the amendment.[72]

In Match 2015, a cross-denominational group issued a leaflet urging a No vote. Approximately 50 clergy and lay signed the leaflet, including Catholic bishop Kevin Doran, Church of Ireland bishop Ferran Glenfield, Archdeacon David Huss signed the leaflet, along with clergy and lay from the Methodist, Presbyterian and various Pentecostal churches.[73]

Business opinion

Many business groups advocated for the passing of the referendum. On 16 April, Business for Yes Equality launched, with high-profile companies such as Twitter, eBay, PayPal and 150 Irish-based international and local companies joining.[74][75] Stephen McIntyre, MD of Twitter in Ireland, said "As I see it, this case has three key elements. First, people perform better in the long run when they can be themselves. Second, talent is attracted to organisations which demonstrate an appreciation for diversity, inclusiveness and equality. Finally, Ireland's international reputation as a good place to do business will be enhanced by a Yes vote."[76] Martin Shanahan, the head of IDA Ireland, the Industrial Development Authority, called for a Yes vote on 1 May, saying "A Yes vote on May 22 would tell the business world that Ireland is open, inclusive and welcomes diversity and that would be a very positive message to be sending internationally."[77] He also said he believed that a No vote would send a negative signal to international businesses.[78]

Also on 1 May, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions announced its support for the Yes campaign with the launch of its "Trade unions for civil marriage equality" campaign.[79] Other trade unions and staff representative associations supporting a Yes vote included the Garda Representative Association, Mandate, and Ireland's largest trade union SIPTU.[80][81][82]

On 7 May, eBay CEO John Donahoe announced that the company was backing a Yes vote. Donahoe said that its position on equality issues such as same-sex marriage, in addition to being "the right thing to do", also helps the company attract, retain and develop the right people.[83]

Other organisations

Other prominent groups to support the referendum included a coalition of Ireland's main children's charities called "BeLonG To Yes". Constituent organisations include the ISPCC, Barnardos, Foróige, Youth Work Ireland, the Migrant Rights Centre, Headstrong, Yes Equality, the Children's Rights Alliance, Pavee Point, EPIC and the National Youth Council of Ireland. Speaking at the launch, Fergus Finlay said they had come together to call for a Yes vote in part because groups within the No campaign were "using children as pawns" and that every time he saw a poster calling for a No vote because "every child deserves a mother and father", he saw "a sickening insult to the thousands of lone parents and children who love and care for each other in Ireland. The message is exploitative, hurtful and dishonest. What every child deserves is love, respect, safety. That can come from two parents of either sex, two parents of the same-sex, or a single parent."[84][85] The Union of Students in Ireland, then led by Laura Harmon, launched its "Students for Marriage Equality" campaign in January together with its dedicated website, voteforlove.ie.[86]

Amnesty International launched their "Let's Make History"[87] campaign for marriage equality on 22 March 2015 to thousands of people outside the historic General Post Office, Dublin.[88] Speakers included Colm O'Gorman, Pat Carey, Sabina Brennan, Gavin Brennan and Grace Dyas.

On 5 May, the "Yes for Health" campaign was launched by Liam Doran, general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and Kieran Ryan, CEO of the Irish College of General Practitioners. Speaking at the launch, Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said that a No vote would be a "big step backwards" for the country, and that it would have an adverse effect on the mental health of members of the LGBT community.[89] The following day, the National Women's Council of Ireland and launched their 'Yes' campaign. The launch was attended by representatives of various groups, including the Irish Feminist Network, Digi Women and the Association of Childcare Professionals.[90] On 7 May, the Law Society of Ireland announced its support for a Yes vote. Ken Murphy, the society's Director General, said that the society was taking a public stance because marriage equality was an issue of fundamental human rights. The decision followed a report from the society's human rights committee, which found that there were 160 ways in which civil partnership, compared to civil marriage, was the lesser of the two unions.[91]

Some groups were also formed in opposition to the referendum. On 18 April, Mothers and Fathers Matter, formed in 2014 to oppose the Children and Family Relationships Bill, launched its No campaign.[92][93] First Families First, a group of three people headed by disabilities campaigner and former politician Kathy Sinnott, and former columnist John Waters launched its campaign for a No vote on 1 May.[94] On 7 May, a group called StandUp4Marriage launched. Its founder, Senator Jim Walsh said the launch was sparsely attended because people who want to vote no are afraid to speak out.[95] Mandate for Marriage was established in March 2015. It advocated a no vote.[96]

Oversight bodies

The following organisations registered as "approved bodies" to monitor postal voting and vote counting: Comhar Críostaí, Marriage Equality, Yes Equality Cork, Green Party, Mothers & Fathers Matter, Fianna Fáil, Labour Party, BeLonG To Youth Services, Irish Council for Civil Liberties, GLEN Campaign for Marriage, National LGBT Federation, Sinn Féin, and Fine Gael.[97][98][99]

Broadcasting

Broadcasters are legally required to cover referendum campaigns in a balanced manner. Several complaints were made to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) that programmes and presenters had unfairly favoured the Yes side. The BAI rejected these in its October 2015 report.[100][101]

Opinion polls

Opinion polls on issue of same-sex marriage or voting intention in marriage referendum
Publication date Excluding other[n 1] Including other Polling org. Commissioned by References
Yes (%) No (%) Yes (%) No (%) Other[n 1] (%)
17 May 2015 73 27 69 25 6 Red C The Sunday Business Post [102][103][104]
17 May 2015 71 29 63 26 11 Behaviour & Attitudes The Sunday Times [103][105]
17 May 2015 69 31 53 24 23 Millward Brown Sunday Independent [106][107]
16 May 2015 70 30 58 25 17 Ipsos MRBI The Irish Times [108]
7 May 2015 78 16 6 Amárach Research RTÉ – Claire Byrne Live [95]
25 April 2015 78 22 72 20 8 Red C The Sunday Business Post [109][110]
17 April 2015 77 14 9 Amárach Research RTÉ – Claire Byrne Live [111]
27 March 2015 74 26 Ipsos MRBI The Irish Times [112]
24 January 2015 77 22[n 2] Red C The Sunday Business Post [113][114]
8 December 2014 81 19 71 17 12 Ipsos MRBI The Irish Times [115]
13 October 2014 76 24 68 23 9 Ipsos MRBI The Irish Times [116][115]
April 2014 76 24 67 21 12 Ipsos MRBI The Irish Times [117]
20 February 2014 80 20 76 19 5 Red C The Sunday Business Post / Prime Time [118][119]
7 November 2013 81 19 76 18 6 Red C Paddy Power [120][121]
November 2012 64 36 53 30 17 Ipsos MRBI The Irish Times [117]

Notes

  1. ^ a b Other includes don't know, undecided, or refused to answer
  2. ^ Of the 77% who were in favour in this January 2015 poll, 33/77 had "some reservations about same-sex marriage", and 29/77 had "some reservations about adoption by gay couples".

A 2014 poll showed that support was strongest among younger voters, and that Sinn Féin and Labour voters were somewhat more in favour than Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.[119][112][117]

Result

Counting began at 09:00 IST on 23 May (08:00 UTC). Early tallies quickly began to indicate a victory for the Yes campaign, with Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin declaring a "landslide" victory across Dublin only 8 minutes into counting.[122] Key figures in the No campaign, including David Quinn began conceding defeat as early as 10:00, long ahead of any constituencies declaring their final count.[123]

Urban regions generally recorded higher approval ratings for the change. The highest Yes percentages were recorded in County Dublin with all of the top ten by Yes vote percentage being in the city and county (with a total Yes vote of 71% for the region), and all of the top 15 located in the Greater Dublin Area. Cork's urban constituencies also ranked above the national average, as did Limerick city. Although the Donegal constituencies had been expected to return a No vote,[124] — and indeed, of all constituencies reporting a majority Yes vote, the lowest margin was recorded in Donegal South-West, where a Yes vote was carried by a margin of only 33 votes — Roscommon–South Leitrim was the only constituency to return a majority No vote.

The HomeToVote hashtag on Twitter, used by emigrant voters indicating their intent to return to Ireland to vote yes, was globally the fifth biggest trending topic of the year.[125]

National result

The national results were as follows:[126]

Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015[1]
Choice Votes %
Referendum passed Yes 1,201,607 62.07
No 734,300 37.93
Valid votes 1,935,907 99.29
Invalid or blank votes 13,818 0.71
Total votes 1,949,725 100.00
Registered voters/turnout 3,221,681 60.52
National referendum result (excluding invalid votes)
Yes:
1,201,607 (62.07%)
No:
734,300 (37.93%)

Constituency results

Results by constituency[127][128]
Constituency Electorate Turnout (%) Votes Proportion of votes
Yes No Yes No
Carlow–Kilkenny 104,735 65.43% 38,166 29,697 56.24% 43.76%
Cavan–Monaghan 99,265 57.19% 28,494 27,763 50.65% 49.35%
Clare 81,809 59.44% 28,137 20,154 58.27% 41.73%
Cork East 81,534 60.90% 30,383 18,845 61.70% 38.30%
Cork North-Central 75,263 59.87% 28,479 16,182 63.77% 36.23%
Cork North-West 62,118 62.80% 22,388 16,298 57.90% 42.10%
Cork South-Central 92,422 63.86% 38,591 20,072 65.78% 34.22%
Cork South-West 59,813 61.70% 20,627 16,225 56.00% 44.00%
Donegal North-East 59,721 51.44% 16,040 14,492 52.46% 47.54%
Donegal South-West 62,171 51.98% 15,907 15,874 50.05% 49.95%
Dublin Central 57,193 57.98% 23,861 9,108 72.37% 27.63%
Dublin Mid-West 67,091 63.39% 29,984 12,291 70.93% 29.07%
Dublin North 72,523 65.83% 34,494 13,009 72.61% 27.39%
Dublin North-Central 53,785 68.85% 25,382 11,431 68.95% 31.05%
Dublin North-East 59,549 66.38% 26,222 13,090 66.70% 33.30%
Dublin North-West 50,943 59.64% 20,919 8,814 70.36% 29.64%
Dublin South 103,969 69.24% 49,109 21,150 69.90% 30.10%
Dublin South-Central 80,406 60.56% 34,988 13,418 72.28% 27.72%
Dublin South-East 59,376 58.02% 25,655 8,594 74.91% 25.09%
Dublin South-West 71,232 63.41% 32,010 12,901 71.27% 28.73%
Dublin West 65,643 64.36% 29,690 12,350 70.62% 29.38%
Dún Laoghaire 80,176 67.05% 38,284 15,168 71.62% 28.38%
Galway East 85,900 56.01% 25,389 22,265 53.28% 46.72%
Galway West 95,180 55.18% 32,037 20,053 61.50% 38.50%
Kerry North–West Limerick 62,523 57.21% 19,678 15,808 55.45% 44.55%
Kerry South 57,524 58.19% 18,357 14,831 55.31% 44.69%
Kildare North 79,014 62.05% 33,960 14,782 69.67% 30.33%
Kildare South 60,384 58.41% 23,199 11,861 66.17% 33.83%
Laois–Offaly 108,436 58.37% 35,685 27,135 56.81% 43.19%
Limerick 64,100 58.51% 20,322 16,797 54.75% 45.25%
Limerick City 61,421 63.30% 24,789 13,855 64.15% 35.85%
Longford–Westmeath 87,425 54.77% 25,445 22,025 53.60% 46.40%
Louth 102,561 59.92% 38,758 22,313 63.46% 36.54%
Mayo 97,296 57.48% 28,801 26,566 52.02% 47.98%
Meath East 64,956 59.68% 24,525 14,025 63.62% 36.38%
Meath West 63,649 56.28% 21,374 14,189 60.10% 39.90%
Roscommon–South Leitrim 59,392 61.49% 17,615 18,644 48.58% 51.42%
Sligo–North Leitrim 62,031 57.78% 19,043 16,502 53.57% 46.43%
Tipperary North 62,233 62.50% 22,077 18,298 54.68% 45.32%
Tipperary South 56,060 59.30% 19,203 15,012 54.69% 45.31%
Waterford 79,669 59.37% 28,313 18,620 60.33% 39.67%
Wexford 111,474 57.82% 40,692 23,298 63.59% 36.41%
Wicklow 94,275 68.77% 44,059 20,384 68.37% 31.63%
Total 3,206,151 60.52% 1,201,607 734,300 62.07% 37.93%

Reactions

Domestic

Dublin Castle, where the result of referendum was officially announced, was opened to the public for the duration of the count, with numbers limited to 2,000 at any one time. A carnival atmosphere prevailed all day after early count tallies indicated that the result would be a Yes. Celebrations and street parties took place at many venues in cities around Ireland, with Dublin celebrations centred between gay venues Pantibar and The George, and Dublin Castle.[129]

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said "With today's Yes vote we have disclosed who we are – a generous, compassionate, bold and joyful people. The referendum was about inclusiveness and equality, about love and commitment being enshrined in the constitution. The people have spoken. They have said yes. Ireland – thank you."[130]

Tánaiste Joan Burton described Ireland as a "rainbow nation" and said "In Ireland, we are known as a nation of storytellers and today, the people have told quite some story. Together, the people of Ireland have struck a massive blow against discrimination as we extend the right of marriage to all our citizens." Leo Varadkar, Minister for Health and Ireland's first openly gay cabinet minister, said "It is a historic day for Ireland. We are the first country in the world to enshrine marriage equality in our constitution and to do it through popular mandate. That makes us a beacon of equality and liberty to the rest of the world, so it's a very proud day for the Irish people."[130]

Micheál Martin, Fianna Fáil leader and Leader of the Opposition, who supported the amendment, said "there is something in the DNA of Irish people that reacts to inequality", adding "It is something that Irish people do not accept historically and I believe this ballot is a vote in favour of a more inclusive, equal and just society."[131] However, Senator Averil Power resigned from Fianna Fáil after the referendum, alleging that many of its TDs and Senators had refused to canvass or leaflet for a Yes vote, and that its low profile in the Yes campaign was "cynical and cowardly".[132][133]

The leader of Sinn Féin, Gerry Adams, said "We have a new era of equality and that is a good day for Ireland."[130]

Veteran gay and civil rights campaigner, Senator David Norris, who was one of the key figures in having homosexuality decriminalised, said "I think it's wonderful. It's a little bit late for me. As I said the other day, I've spent so much time pushing the boat out that I forgot to jump on and now it's out beyond the harbour on the high seas, but it's very nice to look at."[134]

Katherine Zappone, the first openly lesbian member of the Oireachtas, proposed remarrying her wife on air.[135]

Diarmuid Martin, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin told RTÉ that the church needed a "reality check." He said "I appreciate how gay and lesbian men and women feel on this day. That they feel this is something that is enriching the way they live. I think it is a social revolution." He added "I ask myself, most of these young people who voted yes are products of our Catholic school system for 12 years. I'm saying there's a big challenge there to see how we get across the message of the Church".[136] However, asked about the referendum on RTÉ during his retirement in 2013 he reflected "The church has got so caught up in the dogmatic rights and wrongs, absolute rights and wrongs, that it's lost the context." He also reflected "if the church appears only as a rule book, then they have lost Christianity. That isn't what Christianity is about."[137]

Following the result, the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) co-founders and leadership team made a number of statements showing support for the outcome of the referendum. This included leadership team member Fr. Gerry O’ Connor who said he saw the legislation as "catching up with people's lives" and that "the Irish people should be proud". Fr. Iggy O' Donovan, an Augustinan priest said he was "absolutely delighted" with the result. The association also expressed disappointment with the hard position taken by the bishops, with Fr. Tony Flannery saying it was "in total opposition" to the movement from younger generations, who should be listened to instead of being driven away with pastorals. He felt Diarmuid Martin had “allowed himself to be bullied by the extreme conservative Catholic papers into adopting the same rigid line as the other bishops”. Fellow co-founder of the ACP Fr. Brendan Hoban said that the result showed “the gap between the church and a significant number of its people... It is so out of tune with the needs of the people” and that the church needed to adapt, and cannot expect its teaching to be in the law of the land.[138]

The Church of Ireland issued a statement indicating that it "defines marriage as between a man and a woman, and the result of this referendum does not alter this." The Archbishops and bishops also called for "a spirit of public generosity, both from those for whom the result of the referendum represents triumph, and from those for whom it signifies disaster".[139][140]

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland said it was "deeply disappointed and saddened that the Constitution will no longer reflect the historic – and Christian – view of marriage that it is exclusively between one man and one woman."[141]

International

Under the Referendum Act 1994, the returning officer issued a provisional certificate of the referendum result to the Master of the High Court and published a notice in Iris Oifigiúil, the official gazette.[1][161][162] Citizens have seven days in which to lodge a petition challenging the result.[163][162] If no petition is upheld, the provisional certificate is certified as final by the Master of the High Court and the bill is sent to the President of Ireland to be signed into law, thereby amending the constitution.[164][162] Two petitions against the marriage referendum were rejected in the High Court in June and the Court of Appeal in July, after which the bill was signed by President Michael D. Higgins on 29 August 2015.[8][165]

Petitions

The provisional referendum certificate was issued on 25 May 2015 and published the following day in Iris Oifigiúil.[1] Two separate petitions challenging the certificate were lodged within the time limit and considered in the High Court on 5 June 2015.[166] The petitioners, Gerry Walshe and Maurice J. Lyons, were lay litigants.[167] Walsh argued that political parties receiving state funding should have been prohibited from campaigning; that copies of the amendment should have been available at post offices; and that the secrecy of the ballot was compromised by serial numbers on ballot papers and CCTV cameras in some polling stations.[167][168] Lyons argued that the amendment is too vaguely worded and incompatible with the constitution's Christian ethos and reference to "woman ... in the home"; and also that non-voters should have been counted as no-voters.[169][170] Nicholas Kearns, President of the High Court, dismissed both applications and awarded costs against the petitioners.[171][169][172] Walshe and Lyons appealed the decisions, and on 29 June the Court of Appeal scheduled hearings for 30 July.[173][174][175][176] On 30 July the court upheld the dismissals and the costs awards against both petitioners.[7][177] The remaining steps were as prescribed by the Referendum Act 1994: on 24 August the High Court's Master formally notified the referendum returning officer Ríona Ní Fhlanghaile that it had not accepted any petition;[178] on 28 August Ní Fhlanghaile sent the final referendum certificate to the Taoiseach and President;[179] on 29 August the President signing the amendment into law.[180][181][165][182]

Meanwhile, on 27 August, both Walshe and Lyons applied to the Supreme Court to overturn the Court of Appeal decision, although neither sought a stay on the Master or returning officer's actions, and their applications did not prevent the bill being signed into law.[180][183] On 16 September, the Supreme Court refused leave to appeal, stating neither applicant had raised any points of substance.[184][185] The Supreme Court criticised the decision to finalise the referendum certificate before it had made its decision;[186] however, the High Court on 23 September rejected a claim by Walshe that the certificate was therefore invalid.[181][187] The President's office and the Department of the Environment also stated they had acted in accordance with the law.[165][188] The Master of the High Court said the problem arose because the Referendum Act 1994 did not take account of the Court of Appeal, created in 2014 under the Thirty-third Amendment of the Constitution.[180][188] Lecturer Conor O'Mahony suggested the Master, though not obliged to wait for a Supreme Court appeal, might better have chosen to do so.[188] The Supreme Court suggested that the applicants' failure to request a stay on the Court of Appeal decision pending request for a Supreme Court Appeal was a consequence of their being lay litigants, and that a professional lawyer would not have made such an omission.[189]

Implementation

In March 2015, the Department of Justice and Equality published the general scheme of the Marriage Bill 2015, setting out the changes to be made to marriage law if the proposed amendment was enacted. These include removing the current legislative bar on same-sex couples marrying,[190] allowing foreign same-sex marriages to be registered in Ireland as marriages rather than as civil partnerships,[191] and dissolving a civil partnership if the partners marry each other.[192] Authorised solemnisers of marriage from religious groups would be allowed to refuse to officiate at same-sex ceremonies.[193][194] Lawyer Benedict Ó Floinn felt the bill's drafting should have been completed before the referendum, to minimise the lacuna during which statute law is out of step with the constitution.[195] The Gender Recognition Act 2015 requires a transgender person to be unmarried to recognise a change of legal sex;[196] the Marriage Bill intends to remove this restriction.[197][198]

The government hoped to have the Marriage Bill enacted before the Oireachtas' summer adjournment, but the referendum petition hearings in the Court of Appeal delayed this.[173][174][199] The government intended to enact the Marriage Bill "as early as possible" after the Dáil's resumption on 22 September 2015.[200] The bill provides that applications for civil partnership pending when it comes into force can be converted into applications for marriage.[201][200][202] The Minister for Justice stated that marriages under this provision should take place by November.[202][203] The bill was approved at a cabinet meeting on 16 September for publication the following day.[204] It passed its final stage in the legislature on 22 October 2015[205] and (in the absence of the President, who was out of the country) was signed into law on 29 October 2015 by the Presidential Commission.[206]

The Marriage Act 2015 came into force on 16 November 2015.[207] The first same-sex marriage ceremony was the next day in Clonmel, County Tipperary.[208]

Popular culture

In the aftermath of the referendum several artistic interpretations took place. In 2016, A Day in May by Charlie Bird told the stories of individuals impacted by the referendum.[209] In 2018, sections of this publication were used as part of a play by the same name in the Olympia Theatre, Dublin.[210] In 2017, the play A Morning After The Life Before was first performed, the play was based on playwright Ann Blake experience before and after the referendum.[211]

See also

Other same-sex marriage referendums

References

Sources

  • "Referendum Act 1994". Irish Statute Book. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  • "Draft of General Scheme of Marriage Bill 2015" (PDF). Department of Justice. 9 March 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  • "Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Act 2015". Irish Statute Book. 29 August 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  • Denham, Susan; Hardiman, Adrian; O'Donnell, Donal (16 September 2015). "Walshe -v- Ireland The Attorney General The Referendum Returning Officer and The Referendum Commission". Judgments. Ireland: Courts Service. [2015] IESCDET 37. Retrieved 6 November 2015.
  • Denham, Susan; Hardiman, Adrian; O'Donnell, Donal (16 September 2015). "Lyons -v- Ireland The Attorney General and Ríona Ní Fhlanghaile Referendum Returning Officer". Judgments. Ireland: Courts Service. [2015] IESCDET 38. Retrieved 6 November 2015.

Citations

  1. ^ a b c d e Ní Fhlanghaile, Ríona (26 May 2015). "Referendum Act 1994: Constitutional Referendum" (PDF). Iris Oifigiúil (in Irish and English) (42). Dublin: Stationery Office: 1067–69.
  2. ^ Fitzgerald, Frances (10 March 2015). "Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015: Second Stage". Dáil Éireann debates. Retrieved 29 October 2015. The wording is intended to give a right to marry to couples without distinction as to their sex. If the wording is approved by the people, there would be a corresponding obligation and requirement on the State to respect and vindicate that right in its legislation. Therefore, it would not be open to the State to maintain in being legislation which prohibits the marriage of same-sex couples.
  3. ^ a b "Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 November 2013 Written Answer 120 Constitutional Amendments". Houses of the Oireachtas Dáil Éireann debates. 28 November 2013. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  4. ^ "National Summary Results". RTÉ. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  5. ^ Johnston, Chris (23 May 2015). "Ireland becomes first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote - live". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  6. ^ "Huge Ireland vote for gay marriage". BBC News. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  7. ^ a b "Court of Appeal dismisses challenges to referendum". RTÉ.ie. 30 July 2015. Retrieved 31 July 2015.
  8. ^ a b "2015 Legislation". President of Ireland. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  9. ^ "Same-sex marriage will be possible from November". The Irish Times. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  10. ^ a b c Arnold, Bruce (20 February 2015). "Uncertainty in wording of 'marriage equality' Bill seriously threatens Constitution". The Irish Times. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  11. ^ "Constitution of Ireland". Irish Statute Book. Article 25.5.4°. Retrieved 10 March 2015. In case of conflict between the texts of any copy of this Constitution enrolled under this section, the text in the national language shall prevail.
  12. ^ "Bill as introduced" (PDF). Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015. Oireachtas. January 2015. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  13. ^ Arnold, Bruce (12 February 2015). "Head to head: Why we should vote against the same-sex marriage referendum". The Irish Times. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  14. ^ a b c McGee, Harry (25 February 2015). "Experts say constitutional changes should look at subtlety of Irish translation". The Irish Times. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  15. ^ "Irish version of proposed amendment to allow for gay marriage to be rephrased". RTÉ. 10 March 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  16. ^ "Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015: Committee and Remaining Stages". Dáil Éireann debates. Oireachtas. 11 March 2015. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
  17. ^ "Zappone & Anor -v- Revenue Commissioners & Ors". Judgments. Courts Service of Ireland. pp. [2006] IEHC 404. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  18. ^ "Same-sex marriage report submitted to Government by Convention on the Constitution". Constitutional Convention. 2 July 2013. Archived from the original on 22 August 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  19. ^ "Third Report of the Constitutional Convention - Same-Sex Marriage: Statements". Dáil Éireann debates. 17 December 2013. p. 35. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  20. ^ O'Mahony, Conor (24 March 2014). "Is a referendum needed to introduce same-sex marriage?". The Irish Times. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  21. ^ Daly, Eoin (15 July 2012). "Same-sex marriage doesn't need a referendum". Human Rights in Ireland. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  22. ^ McGee, Harry (22 January 2015). "Same-sex marriage referendum wording published". The Irish Times. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  23. ^ "Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015". Oireachtas. January 2015. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  24. ^ Collins, Stephen (21 January 2015). "Gay adoption law due before same-sex marriage referendum". The Irish Times. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  25. ^ "Minister Shatter publishes General Scheme of Children and Family Relationships Bill for consultation". Press releases. Department of Justice and Equality. 30 January 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  26. ^ "Children and Family Relationships Bill 2015 (Number 14 of 2015)". Bills. Oireachtas. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  27. ^ Minihan, Mary (31 March 2015). "What happens next to the Children and Family Relationships Bill?". The Irish Times. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  28. ^ "Legislation Directory: Children and Family Relationships Act 2015". Irish Statute Book. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  29. ^ a b "Wording of same-sex marriage referendum published". RTÉ.ie. 21 January 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  30. ^ "Ireland Sets Date For Same Sex Marriage Vote". Sky News. 20 February 2015.
  31. ^ "Marriage Referendum – Effect of this proposal". Referendum Commission. Archived from the original on 15 April 2015. Retrieved 13 April 2015.
  32. ^ Sheridan, Kathy (25 April 2015). "Less about marriage, more 'you're one of us'". The Irish Times. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  33. ^ "Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015: Report and Final Stages". Seanad Éireann debates. Oireachtas. 27 March 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  34. ^ Murphy, Catherine. "#VoteWithUs Campaign: Politicians". VoteWithUs.org. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  35. ^ "Yes Equality". Archived from the original on 28 March 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  36. ^ "Archbishop Diarmuid Martin: 'I encourage everyone to vote and to reflect carefully'". The Irish Times. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  37. ^ "The Catholic Church and civil marriage". Independent.ie. 5 May 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  38. ^ Duffy, Rónán (3 December 2014). ""God's Plan for Marriage" is being distributed to 1,300 parishes ahead of referendum". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  39. ^ "The Meaning of Marriage" (PDF). Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference. December 2014. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  40. ^ Duffy, Rónán (3 December 2014). ""God's Plan for Marriage" is being distributed to 1,300 parishes ahead of referendum". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  41. ^ a b Duffy, Rónán (21 January 2015). "Church of Ireland group has come out in support of a 'yes' vote". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  42. ^ "Parish level concern about bishops' opposition to equality". The Irish Times. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  43. ^ Orme, Jamie (10 January 2015). "Dublin priest tells congregation he is gay – and wins standing ovation". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  44. ^ "Dublin priest receives standing ovation after saying he is gay during Mass". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 9 January 2015. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  45. ^ "When we vote in referendums we legislate for all citizens not just members of a church". The Irish Times. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  46. ^ "Fr Iggy breaks ranks to support 'yes' vote". Independent.ie. 10 March 2015. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  47. ^ Carrell, Severin (3 March 2013). "Cardinal Keith O'Brien admits and apologises for sexual misconduct". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  48. ^ "Cardinal Keith O'Brien sorry for sexual misconduct". BBC News. 3 March 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  49. ^ Carrell, Severin (22 March 2013). "Cardinal Keith O'Brien 'had long-term affair with priest who complained'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  50. ^ a b "Gay marriage divides Church of Ireland". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  51. ^ Flannery, Tony (23 March 2015). "Marriage Equality Referendum: ACP Statement". Association Of Catholic Priests. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  52. ^ "A Message on the Marriage Referendum: 'Care for the Covenant of Marriage' by Archbishop Eamon Martin | Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference". www.catholicbishops.ie. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  53. ^ McDonald, Henry (2 May 2015). "Ireland archbishop raises concerns about yes vote in gay marriage poll". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  54. ^ "'I don't care what they call it, I'm in favour of marriage equality' – Fr Gerard Moloney". The Irish Times. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  55. ^ oisinkelly (8 May 2015). "Gweedore priest to vote Yes in same-sex marriage referendum". Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  56. ^ Kaplan, Sarah (25 October 2021). "Priests are bucking Catholic Church leadership to support same-sex marriage in Ireland". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  57. ^ a b Ryan, Órla (2 February 2015). "Same Sex Marriage Church of Ireland". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 22 April 2015.
  58. ^ McGarry, Patsy (2 February 2015). "Church of Ireland not to take a stance on same-sex referendum". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  59. ^ Ryan, Órla (2 February 2015). "Church of Ireland won't be campaigning for same-sex marriage vote". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  60. ^ McGarry, Patsy (18 May 2014). "C of I bishop backs civil marriage for same-sex couples". The Irish Times. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  61. ^ a b "Catholic Church 'will pay price' for stance on gay marriage". The Irish Times. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  62. ^ "First woman cathedral canon". The Irish Times. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  63. ^ "Irish bishops divided over gay marriage referendum | Anglican Ink © 2023". anglican.ink. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  64. ^ "New No vote campaign group formed". RTÉ News. 8 May 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  65. ^ "Presbyterian Church Favours a 'No' Vote in ROI Gay Marriage Referendum". News Letter. 22 April 2015. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015.
  66. ^ "Call for conscience clause in same-sex marriage referendum". RTE. 15 April 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
  67. ^ Hennessy, Michelle (17 April 2015). "Islamic Centre issues advice to Irish Muslims on same-sex marriage referendum". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  68. ^ Monaghan, Paddy (11 May 2015). "A Yes vote in the referendum will undermine the principle of equality : An evangelical response to the same sex referendum". Irish Times. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  69. ^ McDonald, Henry (16 December 2014). "Ireland to hold referendum on gay marriage in May". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  70. ^ "Government moves to take children out of marriage vote". Independent.ie. 21 January 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  71. ^ "Voting Yes to same-sex marriage 'consistent with faith's values', says group". Irish Examiner. 15 February 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  72. ^ a b "New religious group supports 'Yes' vote in same-sex marriage referendum". Independent.ie. 15 February 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  73. ^ a b "Gay marriage: interchurch groups call for yes vote in referendum". The Irish Times. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  74. ^ "Business for Yes Equality". Yes Equality. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  75. ^ "Yes for marriage, yes for business, yes for Ireland". Silicon Republic. 16 April 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  76. ^ McIntyre, Stephen (16 April 2015). "Yes vote in referendum would be good for Twitter and for Ireland". The Irish Times. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  77. ^ "Head of IDA: Yes vote good for business". breakingnews.ie. 1 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  78. ^ "Marriage referendum Yes vote would be in Ireland's economic interest, says IDA chief". Silicon Republic. 1 May 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  79. ^ "Trade Unions for Civil Marriage Equality". Irish Congress of Trade Unions. 1 May 2015. Archived from the original on 6 May 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  80. ^ McEnroe, Juno (1 May 2015). "Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin back GRA decision". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  81. ^ "Mandate says Yes to Marriage Equality". Mandate. 22 April 2015. Archived from the original on 9 August 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  82. ^ "Liberty Hall meeting hears of marriage equality success in Denmark". SIPTU. 6 May 2015. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  83. ^ O'Brien, Ciara (7 May 2015). "Same-sex marriage: Tech giant eBay backs Yes vote". The Irish Times. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  84. ^ Holland, Kitty (29 April 2015). "Children's charities call for Yes in same-sex marriage vote". The Irish Times. Retrieved 3 May 2015.
  85. ^ "ISPCC confirms its support for a Yes Vote in the Marriage Equality Referendum". Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. 9 April 2015. Archived from the original on 21 September 2016. Retrieved 3 May 2015.
  86. ^ "USI launches Students for Marriage Equality campaign". Union of Students in Ireland. 20 January 2015. Retrieved 7 May 2015.
  87. ^ "Let's Make History - Amnesty International". Lets Make History.
  88. ^ "Amnesty launches Yes campaign for gay marriage vote". Irish Times. 22 March 2015. Retrieved 16 August 2015.
  89. ^ Hand, Lise (5 May 2015). "Leo Varadkar calls for a Yes Vote in marriage equality referendum". Irish Independent. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  90. ^ Riegel, Ralph (6 May 2015). "Sports stars and women's groups back 'Yes' campaign". Irish Independent. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  91. ^ Gartland, Fiona (7 May 2015). "Marriage equality is a human right, says Law Society". The Irish Times. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  92. ^ "About Us". Mothers & Fathers Matter. Archived from the original on 31 October 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  93. ^ Minihan, Mary (18 April 2015). "Mothers and Fathers launch No Referendum campaign". The Irish Times. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  94. ^ Sheridan, Kathy (1 May 2015). "First Families First take up the fight for the No Side". The Irish Times. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  95. ^ a b "New No vote campaign group formed". RTÉ News. 8 May 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  96. ^ "Mandate for Marriage". 29 August 2013. Archived from the original on 29 August 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
  97. ^ "List Of Bodies As Approved Bodies For The Purpose Of The Referendums On The Thirty-Fourth And Thirty-Fifth Proposed Amendments Of The Constitution" (PDF). Irish Oifigiúil. Dublin: Government of Ireland. 24 April 2015. p. 753. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  98. ^ "Additional List Of Bodies As Approved Bodies For The Purpose Of The Referendums On The Thirty-Fourth And Thirty-Fifth Proposed Amendments Of The Constitution" (PDF). Irish Oifigiúil. Dublin: Government of Ireland. 1 May 2015. p. 786. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  99. ^ "Approved Bodies". Referendum Commission. May 2015. Archived from the original on 9 May 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  100. ^ McMahon, Aine (29 October 2015). "Broadcasting Authority of Ireland dismisses over 30 grievances". The Irish Times. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  101. ^ "Broadcasting Complaint Decisions". Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. October 2015. 78/15, 81/15, 82/15, 40/15, 37/15, 32/15, 36/15, 30/15, 63/15 and 64/15. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  102. ^ "Three polls show strong Yes lead getting tighter". Irish Examiner. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
  103. ^ a b "Polls indicate majority Yes vote for marriage referendum". RTÉ News. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
  104. ^ "SBP May 2015 Poll report Same Sex Marriage". Red C. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  105. ^ "Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes May 2015 Opinion Poll 1st–11th May, 2015" (PDF). Behaviour & Attitudes. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  106. ^ "Yes in free fall but Kenny fights back". Sunday Independent. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
  107. ^ "National Opinion Poll: May 2015" (PDF). Millward Brown. 17 May 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 May 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  108. ^ Collins, Stephen (16 May 2015). "Seismic shift needed for No side to carry referendum". The Irish Times. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  109. ^ "Poll suggests drop in Govt parties support". RTÉ News. 25 April 2015. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
  110. ^ "Same Sex Marriage Referendum Opinion Poll" (PDF). Red C. 26 April 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  111. ^ "Are we on course for a record referendum turnout?". RTÉ News. 17 April 2015. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
  112. ^ a b Collins, Stephen (27 March 2015). "Poll shows same-sex marriage referendum could be close". The Irish Times. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  113. ^ "Poll shows reservations on same-sex marriage remain". RTÉ. 25 January 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  114. ^ "Opinion Poll" (PDF). Red C. 25 January 2015. pp. 11–13. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  115. ^ a b O'Connell, Hugh (8 December 2014). "First poll finds large majority in favour of same sex marriage". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  116. ^ Collins, Stephen (13 October 2014). "Majority of voters want abortion law liberalised". Irish Times. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  117. ^ a b c Quann, Jack (1 July 2014). "Ireland will hold same-sex marriage referendum in Spring 2015". Newstalk. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015.
  118. ^ "Poll finds strong support for same-sex marriage". RTÉ. 20 February 2014. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  119. ^ a b "Same-Sex Marriage Poll" (PDF). Red C. 20 February 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  120. ^ "General Election Opinion Poll 7th November 2013" (PDF). Red C. 7 November 2013. pp. 9–11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  121. ^ Bohan, Christine (7 November 2013). "First poll finds large majority in favour of same sex marriage". Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  122. ^ Ó Ríordáin, Aodhán (23 May 2015). "tweet 602023396373876737". @AodhanORiordain. Twitter.com. Retrieved 3 June 2015. I'm calling it. Key boxes opened. It's a yes. And a landslide across Dublin. And I'm so proud to be Irish today. #MarRef
  123. ^ "David Quinn on Twitter: "Congratulations to the Yes side. Well done". Twitter.com. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  124. ^ "Ireland becomes first country to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote". Irishtimes.com. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  125. ^ "Coming #HomeToVote: top tweets from emigrants making epic journeys back". The Irish Times. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  126. ^ "Results received at the Central Count Centre for the referendum on the Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015". Referendum Commission. May 2015. Archived from the original on 1 June 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  127. ^ "Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015". Referendum Commission. May 2015. Archived from the original on 26 May 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  128. ^ "Referendum Results 1937–2015" (PDF). Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. p. 93. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
  129. ^ Lord, Miriam (25 May 2015). "The quiet Yes kept its counsel. They spoke when it mattered". The Irish Times. Retrieved 25 May 2015. (Also features video and image gallery).
  130. ^ a b c "Political reaction to marriage referendum". UTV Media. 24 May 2015. Archived from the original on 25 May 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  131. ^ "Minister Alan Kelly speaks of close gay friend who died, wears his tie as tribute". Irish Independent. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  132. ^ Bardon, Sarah (25 May 2015). "Fianna Fáil's Averil Power to leave party". The Irish Times. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  133. ^ Lord, Miriam (26 May 2015). "It's no surprise that Averil Power has resigned from Fianna Fáil". Irish Times. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  134. ^ Connolly, Shaun (25 May 2015). "Marriage Referendum: 'We've changed what it means to grow up LGBT'". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  135. ^ "Referendum 2015 Live: Ireland on course for same-sex marriage". Irish Independent. 23 May 2015.
  136. ^ "Church in Ireland needs 'reality check' after gay marriage vote". BBC. 23 May 2015.
  137. ^ "Retired Dublin archbishop: Abuse scandal 'badly damaged church'; synod won't lead to radical change". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  138. ^ "Same-sex marriage vote an 'unmitigated disaster' for Church". The Irish Times. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  139. ^ "Catholic Church needs to do a reality check – Archbishop". RTÉ. 23 May 2015.
  140. ^ "A Statement from the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland Following the Result of the Marriage Referendum (RoI)". Church of Ireland. 23 May 2015.
  141. ^ "Statement by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland on the Marriage Referendum result". Presbyterian Church in Ireland. 23 May 2015. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015.
  142. ^ "Ban Ki-moon praises 'truly historic' referendum result". RTÉ News. 24 May 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  143. ^ "Gay marriage referendum in Australia dismissed by Tony Abbott, Bill Shorten as Ireland votes for change". ABC News, Australia. 24 May 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  144. ^ Wilson, James (15 November 2017). "Tiernan Brady, Irishman behind Australia's gay marriage win, celebrates". IrishCentral.com. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  145. ^ "Ireland same-sex marriage referendum: 'Yes' wins". CBC News. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  146. ^ Scally, Derek (24 May 2015). "Angela Merkel urged to follow Ireland's lead on same-sex marriage". Irish Times. Retrieved 25 May 2015. Irish vote tops German news with politicians saying 'what the Catholic Irish can do, we can do, too'
  147. ^ Bei, Francesco (24 May 2015). "Renzi: "Approviamo subito le unioni civili"". La Repubblica. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  148. ^ "PM statement: Ireland vote to legalise same-sex marriage - Press releases". GOV.UK. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  149. ^ "David Cameron congratulates Ireland on victory for same-sex marriage · PinkNews". Pinknews.co.uk. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  150. ^ "Marriage Equality in Ireland". UK Parliament. 28 June 2015.
  151. ^ Saeed Kamali Dehghan (22 May 2015). "A referendum is not the way to go when it comes to gay rights or minority issues". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 May 2015. Ireland's referendum sets a dangerous precedent for other nations where public opinion might not be so tolerant
  152. ^ Marron, Ronan (18 March 2015). "On the Irish Referendum: The majority cannot vote on minority rights". Get Real, Cambridge University LGBT Magazine. Retrieved 25 May 2015. Ronan Marron argues that the majority cannot vote on the rights of minorities in a national referendum.
  153. ^ Angland, Michael (3 March 2015). "On the Irish Referendum: 'Yes' for a national conversation". Get Real, Cambridge University LGBT Magazine. Retrieved 25 May 2015. Bypassing all of the hard work and getting same-sex marriage quickly legislated from on high might seem attractive, but I would prefer to take the risk of having a national conversation, which has the potential to fundamentally transform society for the better. Even should the worst happen and the referendum fail, the silences shattered and truths confronted in living rooms all over Ireland during the last few months bear testament to the value of the latter road. ... Prejudice will still thrive, even if the people in power make the right noises. The only way to minimise it is not through a quick-fix parliamentary vote but through the arduous path of meeting hatred with love, ignorance with education, anger with patience, and darkness with light. The referendum has put it up to each and every Irish person to do just that, and imagine how much sweeter justice will feel when it has been vindicated by our families, neighbours and friends, not by a detached bunch of political opportunists on Kildare Street.
  154. ^ "Pressure mounts for gay marriage in NI". Utv.ie. Archived from the original on 25 May 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  155. ^ a b c Ferguson, Amanda (24 May 2015). "Same-sex marriage: Northern Ireland 'last bastion of discrimination' says Amnesty". Irish Times. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  156. ^ Carswell, Simon (24 May 2015). "US politicians pay tribute to Ireland's vote on same-sex marriage". Irish Times. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  157. ^ "Irish gay marriage referendum a "disaster" for Catholic church, say priests". Premier Christian News. 26 May 2015.
  158. ^ "Cardinal calls Irish vote on same-sex marriage a 'defeat for humanity'". Los Angeles Times. 26 May 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  159. ^ Kirchgaessner, Stephanie (27 May 2015). "Vatican says Ireland gay marriage vote is 'defeat for humanity'". The Guardian.
  160. ^ a b "The papal nuncio on Catholic challenges". The Irish Times. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  161. ^ Referendum Act 1994, Parts 3 and 4
  162. ^ a b c "2.9: Referendum Result" (PDF). The Referendum in Ireland. Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. April 2015. p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 September 2008. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  163. ^ Referendum Act 1994, §42(2)
  164. ^ Referendum Act 1994, §§40,57,58
  165. ^ a b c "President signs same-sex marriage into Constitution". The Irish Times. 29 August 2015. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  166. ^ Carolan, Mary (4 June 2015). "Legal bids to challenge same-sex marriage result due". The Irish Times. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  167. ^ a b "Court hears applications to challenge referendum". RTÉ.ie. 5 June 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  168. ^ [2015] IESCDET 37 §6
  169. ^ a b O'Loughlin, Ann (6 June 2015). "Challenges to equality vote result rejected". Irish Examiner. Cork. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  170. ^ [2015] IESCDET 38 §6
  171. ^ Duffy, Rónán (5 June 2015). ""A thumping majority" – The High Court has rejected two legal challenges to the marriage referendum". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  172. ^ [2015] IESCDET 37 §23(i); [2015] IESCDET 38 §25(i)
  173. ^ a b Bardon, Sarah (29 June 2015). "Same-sex couples may face marriage delay until next year". The Irish Times. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  174. ^ a b Comyn, Francesca (29 June 2015). "Same-sex marriage likely to be delayed as challenges go to Court of Appeal". Newstalk. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  175. ^ "Marriage referendum challenge adjourned until Friday". The Irish Times. 11 June 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  176. ^ "News in Brief". RTÉ.ie. 11 June 2015. Referendum application adjourned until tomorrow. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  177. ^ [2015] IESCDET 37 §§1,23(ii); [2015] IESCDET 38 §§1,25(ii)
  178. ^ [2015] IESCDET 37 §23(viii–ix)
  179. ^ [2015] IESCDET 37 §23(x)
  180. ^ a b c Mac Cormaic, Ruadhán (1 October 2015). "President entitled to sign marriage law despite appeals". The Irish Times. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  181. ^ a b "Man challenges legality of marriage referendum". RTÉ.ie. 22 September 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  182. ^ [2015] IESCDET 37 §23(xi)
  183. ^ [2015] IESCDET 37 §23(vi)
  184. ^ Carolan, Mary (17 September 2015). "Marriage referendum appeals rejected by Supreme Court". The Irish Times. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  185. ^ [2015] IESCDET 37 §§15–21, 29
  186. ^ [2015] IESCDET 37 §§27–28
  187. ^ "That late (late) legal challenge against same-sex marriage has been thrown out". TheJournal.ie. 23 September 2015. Retrieved 24 September 2015.
  188. ^ a b c O'Mahony, Conor (16 October 2015). "The Officer, the Master, the President and the Chief: Supreme Court Unhappy at Signing of Marriage Equality Bill". Constitution Project. University College Cork. Retrieved 6 November 2015.
  189. ^ [2015] IESCDET 37 §26
  190. ^ Draft of General Scheme of Marriage Bill 2015, Part 2
  191. ^ Draft of General Scheme of Marriage Bill 2015, Head 8
  192. ^ Draft of General Scheme of Marriage Bill 2015, Head 9
  193. ^ "Religious solemnisers will not be obliged to perform same-sex marriage". The Irish Times. 10 March 2015. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  194. ^ Draft of General Scheme of Marriage Bill 2015, Head 7
  195. ^ "Marriage laws will be out of step with Constitution". The Irish Times. 26 May 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  196. ^ Gender Recognition Act 2015, §9(2)(b)
  197. ^ Humphreys, Kevin (5 March 2015). "Gender Recognition Bill 2014 [Seanad]: Second Stage". Dáil Éireann debates. Oireachtas. Retrieved 25 July 2015. As Deputies will be aware, the Bill requires that an applicant for gender recognition is single, pending the outcome of the referendum on same-sex marriage that is due to take place in May of this year. I accept that this is not ideal. The existing constitutional prohibition on same-sex marriage is a blockage in this respect. I am happy to confirm that my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, has agreed that the marriage Bill, which will be enacted if the referendum is passed by the people, will include provisions to amend this legislation to remove the requirement to be single.
  198. ^ Draft of General Scheme of Marriage Bill 2015, Head 10 (a)
  199. ^ Bardon, Sarah (30 June 2015). "Same-sex marriages won't start until September". The Irish Times. Retrieved 30 June 2015.
  200. ^ a b McGarry, Patsy (1 August 2015). "Same-sex marriage legislation to arrive early next Dáil term". The Irish Times. Retrieved 1 August 2015.
  201. ^ Draft of General Scheme of Marriage Bill 2015, Head 3(4)
  202. ^ a b Ryan, Philip (16 September 2015). "First same-sex marriages could be next month as Cabinet approve bill". Irish Independent. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  203. ^ Bardon, Sarah (16 September 2015). "Same-sex marriage laws to be considered by Cabinet today". The Irish Times. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  204. ^ "Minister Fitzgerald publishes Marriage Bill 2015 -". Department of Justice and Equality. 16 September 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  205. ^ "Christmas weddings on cards as marriage law passes - RTÉ News". RTÉ.ie. 22 October 2015. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  206. ^ Sheils McNamee, Michael (29 October 2015). "The Marriage Bill 2015 allowing for same-sex marriage has been signed into law". Thejournal.ie. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  207. ^ Kearns, David (17 November 2015). "Ireland's first same sex marriage takes place in Tipperary - Independent.ie". Irish Independent. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  208. ^ "A Day in May: Real Lives, True Stories". Irish Academic Press. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
  209. ^ "A Day In May". MCD.ie. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
  210. ^ "The Morning After the Life Before". www.irishplayography.com. 24 May 2017. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2023.

External links