Ireland Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

On May 22nd Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote, with 73.1% of voters voting "yes" and 26.9% voting "no".

The vote was held as a nation-wide referendum, which is required in order to make changes to Ireland's constitution.

Homosexuality was decriminalized in Ireland 22 years ago and civil partnerships have been legal since 2010. But, this referendum changes Ireland's constitution to allow for marriage between same-sex couples, thus creating the same protections afforded to their opposite-sex counterparts.

This is a monumental moment for Ireland and a great victory for equality and civil rights.

I'm not sure, however, that this would work in other countries. Or, rather, that it should ever come to this. That is to say that civil rights are not something that should ever be debated or voted on. Regardless of popular opinion or the beliefs of the majority, no one should be denied equal and fair treatment under the law.

In the United States, we are currently awaiting the ruling of a Supreme Court case which may declare same-sex marriage bans, nation wide, unconstitutional. Already we have seen state ban after state ban fall to federal judges.

The number of countries in which same-sex marriage is actually legal and recognized is pretty small. You can view the countries which have legalized it here: http://i.imgur.com/4DjHzuc.jpg

In recent years, marriage equality has gained momentum. But there is still a long way to go. It's hard to say what, exactly, would be the best means by which to encourage more governments to legalize same-sex marriage. Would more referendums be useful? Or does that just open up more issues?

You can read the article here: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32858501

 

@Kiri we are moving to Ireland.

 

Modern marriage could be seen as a tax policy so this could definitely be passed in numerous countries if the governments came out (pun intended) and called it what it is. The issue lay with religion and the desire of their followers to maintain some kind of moral control over others very similar to how to the drug war is largely continued on by ignorant moral orals trying to again impose their morals upon others. So congrats Ireland for shaking the chains (partially) of ignorance.

 

This.

 

Good for Ireland. For those who have issue with same sex marriage, marry the opposite sex & stay the fuck out of other people's business.

 

Government needs to stay out of peoples lives in general.

 

I'm pretty sure Australia is the only first-world country that only recognises same-sex couples, and is against same-sex marriage.