Support for Marriage Equality Holds Strong

21 Feb 2014

Marriage Equality Welcomes New Red C Poll for Prime Time and Sunday Business Post with 76% in Favour of Equal Marriage Rights

21st February 2014: The results from the latest Red C Poll demonstrate that support for marriage equality is holding well. Seventy six percent of those surveyed would vote in favour to allow gay couples to legally wed in Ireland. This poll mirrors previously held independent and Marriage Equality surveys, and reflects the 79% who supported equal marriage rights at the Constitutional Convention in 2013.

Speaking about the poll, Marriage Equality Chairperson, Grainne Healy said, “Research results overwhelmingly support equal marriage rights for same sex couples in Ireland. However, we must be mindful that this does not mean the referendum is already won, or indeed that it will be an easy win. Our history of referenda in Ireland shows that the people may vote no for a variety of unrelated reasons, including those who may wish to express dissatisfaction with Government. We need supporters at every level to mobilize now. To talk to family, friends and even strangers on the street to harden support for marriage equality.”

Andrew Hyland, Director, Marriage Equality, said, “We expect the referendum to be held during the first half of 2015. The time between then and now needs to be channelled into continuing a conversation and teasing out issues and concerns that people may have about equal marriage rights. The Red C poll showed that 49% of people believed in equal rights for gay people, but had reservations about extending marriage equality. We therefore need to address those issues and abate fears or information deficits people may have to allow them move towards a yes vote on marriage equality.”

Marriage Equality is working to secure equal marriage rights for same sex couples in Ireland. Marriage Equality does not receive any Government funding and relies on the public for donations to do its work. Consider donating today www.marriagequality.ie/donate. More information on marriage equality is available on www.marriagequality.ie.

Ends/

Contact Marriage Equality on (01) 799 4502 for further information.