Survey shows same sex couples believe Government is on the right track to legislating for marriage equality

28 Mar 2011

Marriage Equality today welcomed the results of a poll in which 67% of couples in a same-sex relationship said their vote in the recent General Election was influenced by a political party's position on same sex marriage.

The poll, carried out by online wedding website mrs2be.ie, surveyed over 200 same sex couples in long term (greater than 6 months) relationships, to discover their attitudes to Civil Partnerships and marriage equality.

Speaking about the survey's findings, Moninne Griffith, Director of Marriage Equality said "Although the survey reports that 89% of respondents believe that Civil Partnerships do not confer the same rights and entitlements as marriage, it is heartening to see the optimism of same sex couples in Ireland. 72% of couples believe that Civil Partnerships are a step in the right direction, and most importantly, 42% believe that marriage equality will happen within the lifetime of this current Government."

Marriage Equality had previously welcomed the new Government's commitment to establish a Constitutional Convention to consider the provision of marriage equality for same sex couples (amongst other issues), following the publication of the Programme for Government earlier this month. Ms Griffith stated that the campaign group would fully engage with the Constitutional Convention, which will report within 12 months on the legislative and/or constitutional options to provide for same-sex marriage.

"When these findings are added to the recent Red C poll showing 73% popular support for marriage rights for same sex couples, what we are seeing is a clear majority of Irish people who believe in equality. We would urge the Government to listen to the will of the people on this important issue, and make marriage equality a reality for same sex couples all over Ireland."

For the full results of the mrs2be.ie survey, please click here.