Voters in the Republic of Ireland have overwhelmingly voted for a constitutional change to legalise same-sex marriage, securing a landslide victory of 62% in favour.
Historically seen as a very traditional and conservative Catholic-majority country, Ireland only decriminalised homosexuality in 1993. However, since then, attitudes have changed rapidly, with churches exercising much weaker influence over the Irish population.
Despite the best efforts of a small but very vocal minority of conservative Christian campaigners, today Ireland joins England, Wales, Scotland and many other countries around the world in providing legal marriage rights for same-sex couples.
North of the border in Northern Ireland, however, where the law concerning marriage is devolved from the UK Parliament, same-sex marriage is still not legal. Just last month, the Northern Irish Assembly rejected a proposal for equal marriage.
British Humanist Association Director of Public Affairs and Campaigns Pavan Dhaliwal said of the result that ‘This is an extremely happy day for same-sex couples and for voters across Ireland, and a significant moment in the history of these isles. All eyes are now on Northern Ireland to follow suit and bring marriage equality to the entirety of the United Kingdom as well.’
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For further comment or information, please contact BHA Director of Public Affairs and Campaigns Pavan Dhaliwal at pavan@humanists.uk or on 0773 843 5059.
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.