Ireland has made history by becoming the first country ever to legalise gay marriage though a popular vote. They’re still counting the ballot papers across the green isle, but a Yes vote is now certain, with confirmation that well over 50% of the country choose to support equal rights.
Over 3.2 million Irish people were asked whether or not they agreed with the following statement: “Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.” Though it is only 22 years since being gay was decriminalised in Ireland, the country has come out massively in favour of equal marriage rights.
The happy result follows months of campaigning by passionate gay rights activists, politicians, celebrities and artists; like Joe Caslin, whose wall painting of two young men embracing, above, has become an iconic image of the campaign. Vive la Rainbow Republic!
Credits
Text Charlotte Gush
Image via Amnesty International