Referendum Date a Step Closer to Equality

16 Dec 2014

Marriage Equality appeals to Irish people’s sense of fairness & cautions against complacency

Tuesday, 16th December 2014: Today’s news that the Government have committed to a May equal marriage referendum brings Ireland a step closer to a Republic where all citizens are treated equally. Marriage Equality is appealing to Irish people’s sense of fairness and common sense when considering their vote while also urging supporters against complacency.

Moninne Griffith, Co-Director, Marriage Equality commented, “Marriage Equality has been campaigning on the ground for this announcement for almost a decade and we are delighted the countdown is officially on. This referendum is a people’s referendum, it’s a chance for us to directly shape the Ireland we want to live in. Lesbian and gay couples want to marry for the same reason as all couples – as a public display of their love and commitment.”

She continued, “Irish people are incredibly fair and have an innate sense of justice which this referendum appeals to. Most people in Ireland have a gay or lesbian son or daughter, grandson, relative and friend. Denying their love through civil marriage makes no sense. Irish people are ready for marriage equality.”

Andrew Hyland, Co-Director, Marriage Equality, commented, “The high support for marriage equality among Irish people of all ages is encouraging. Our biggest threat is our supporters taking these figures as fact and bowing out of voting. Our message is ‘Every Vote Counts’, if you want to see marriage equality in Ireland then vote and get your family and friends to vote, the power is in your hands.”

He continued, “We want to see as many young people vote as possible. This is about them creating the Ireland they want to live in. Equally, it’s an opportunity for older people to leave a legacy they can be proud of. This referendum isn’t about politics. It’s about real lives, real people and real love. It’s a referendum from the people for the people.”

Marriage Equality is a not-for-profit, single issue, national grassroots advocacy organisation whose goal is to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Ireland through the extension of civil marriage rights to same-sex couples.