Yes Equality statement welcoming news that Sr. Stan is voting Yes in Marriage Referendum

11 May 2015

Today’s news that Sister Stan is voting Yes in the Marriage Referendum is being warmly welcomed by Yes Equality.

Sr Stan said; “I have thought a lot about this. I am going to vote Yes in recognition of the gay community as full members of society. They should have an entitlement to marry. It is a civil right and a human right.”

Grainne Healy, spokesperson, Yes Equality said, “ Sr Stan is a much respected public figure in Ireland and her thoughtful reflection on this important issue is warming and uplifting. Sr Stan recognises that a Yes vote on May 22 underpins the journey towards full equality for lesbian and gay people.

“Sr Stan joins a line of thoughtful, committed and compassionate Catholics who have given affirmation to lesbian and gay people in Ireland and are staunchly supporting a Yes vote in the referendum on May 22. These include Fr Tony Flannery, Fr Iggy O’Donovan, Fr Brian O’Fearraigh, Fr Peter McVerry, Fr Martin Dolan and Fr Adrian Egan. These join other Catholic lay organisations such as We are Church and inter-faith groups such as Faith in Marriage Equality along with many practicing Catholics all across Ireland.

“The Irish people, the majority of whom are Catholic, have consistently shown in polls over a number of years their support for marriage equality for lesbian and gay people.

“The campaign reiterates the distinction between Church and civil marriage. A Yes in the referendum will not in any way affect religious marriage nor compel Churches to marry lesbian and gay couples, in much the same way since the introduction of divorce the Roman Catholic Church has not been compelled to marry divorced people in their religious ceremonies.”

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