Ireland vote backs Gay Marriage - The Sky Herald

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23 May 2015

Ireland vote backs Gay Marriage

Early results suggest the Republic of Ireland has voted to legalise same-sex marriage in a historic referendum.
More than 3.2m people were asked whether they wanted to amend the country's constitution to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.
Government ministers have said they believe it will pass, while prominent "no" campaigners have conceded defeat.
Counting started at 09:00 BST on Saturday morning. An "unusually high" turnout has been reported.
A final result is expected late afternoon on Saturday.

Conceded

If the change is approved, the Republic of Ireland would become the first country to legalise same-sex marriage through a popular vote.
Couple watches counting of same-sex marriage referendum votes
A couple watches the counting of the same-sex marriage referendum votes
Minister for Equality Aodhan O Riordain said on Twitter: "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."
The early tallies follow reports of an ‘unusually high turnout’ on Friday, with polling stations closing at 22:00 BST with some areas reporting over 60 per cent electorate turnout.

Irish citizens who are registered are allowed to vote, but due to no postal voting in the referendum, many people have returned to Ireland simply for the purposes of casting their votes.

Voters were asked whether they agree with the statement: "Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.”

The country are awaiting the result of a referendum on same-sex marriage which would see same-sex marriage legalised 22 years after homosexual acts were decriminalised in Ireland.

Only 18 other countries worldwide have already legalised gay marriage, including the United Kingdom with the exception of Northern Ireland.

The United States and Mexico currently have regional legislation permitting same-sex marriage, but have yet to legalise throughout the country.
Ireland vote backs Gay Marriage Reviewed by Unknown on Saturday, May 23, 2015 Rating: 5 Early results suggest the Republic of Ireland has voted to legalise same-sex marriage in a historic referendum. More than 3.2m people w...