The public of Ireland voted YES yesterday on a proposal to introduce civil same-sex marriage in the country. 62.1% percent voted for the measure, with 37.9% percent voting against. The result was announced in Dublin Castle, to a huge jubilant crowd.
Over a million people supported equality, with 1,201,607 voting Yes and just 734,300 voting No, despite fears that a stronger turnout among older religious voters, who are more likely to oppose would might sway the outcome.
Voters were asked to approve an amendment to the Irish Constitution stating: “Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.”
Making same-sex marriage legal requires a change to the constitution – that in Ireland can only be passed
Many Irish citizens travelled back to Ireland to enable them to vote. Under Irish law, citizens who have been out of Ireland for less than 18 months are still eligible vote.
There where emotional scenes in airports and train stations as large crowds flocked in.