Tag Archives: Equal Marriage Referendum

Irish Court Rejects ‘Pointless’ Legal Challenge Stalling The First Same-Sex Weddings

The Court of Appeals in the Republic of Ireland has rejected a challenge to the marriage referendum, which was delaying the first same-sex weddings.

In May, the Republic of Ireland became the first country in the world to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote.

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Following the landslide victory, Irish justice minister Frances Fitzgerald promised to implement the law as soon as possible, saying:

I am very conscious that many couples will want to get married as soon as possible. I am working to make that happen.”

However, attempts to implement weddings as soon as possible were hindered when multiple people launched nuisance legal challenges, in an attempt to stall further.

The Court of Appeals heard arguments today – and unsurprisingly found that the referendum was valid.

After eight hours, the Court of Appeals dismissed the challenges to the referendum and lifted a stay on action.

Activists celebrated the decision, and derided the “pointless” challenges.

However, the complainants still have 28 days to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, if they want to attempt to stall equality further.

Watch: Beautiful Couples Who Have Been Together For Years Talk About Love

Support for marriage equality doesn’t just come from same sex couples – it comes from individuals who believe in equality for everyone.

Watch as real couples and families share their stories and explain why marriage matters to them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=79&v=tyWuSl7Bi1w

‘Yes’ Campaign Launches in Ireland Ahead of Equal Marriage Referendum

The Republic of Ireland, which introduced civil partnerships in 2011, is set to vote next May on extending civil marriage to same-sex couples, with early polls suggesting a landslide victory for equality.

To ensure all things go to plan, the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, and Marriage Equality Ireland joined together to launch the ‘Yes Equality’ campaign.

Irish referendums have a history of unpredictability in the country, due to a combination of low turnouts and powerful religious lobbies.

The voter registration drive will be run in conjunction with the hundreds of local community groups, as well as through trade unions, the Union of Students in Ireland, and students’ unions.

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Irish hurler Eoin Murphy, who has thrown his weight behind the campaign, said:

“Next year we will have an important referendum on civil marriage equality. We want to make sure that no one misses the opportunity to have their voice heard on polling day. We are asking people to join us in registering to vote so that they can be part of creating a fairer Ireland for all.”

Eoin Murphy

Activist Joanne O’Riordan said:

“Younger voters in this referendum have the chance to make a real difference. This voter registration campaign is a critical first step in getting the vote out. We cannot afford to miss a single vote and if you’re not registered you can’t vote for civil marriage equality.”

Joanne O’Riordan