Yesterday, May 23rd, the referendum result for the proposal to legalise same-sex marriage in Ireland was announced.
As people gathered in different locations across the country, notably in the courtyard of Dublin Castle where the result was being broadcasted, the Irish created a day to go down in history as they became the first country in the world to legalise equal marriage through popular vote.
The country flooded with pride as they celebrated their long fight for equality in the months leading up to the referendum. Saluted by blatant emotions – tears were shed, horns were beeped, songs were sang and strangers were hugged – the streets of Dublin won’t see a day as proud as this for a very long time.
The YES vote passed by 62.1% to 37.9% – a margin which was above and beyond what was anticipated, both by Ireland and the rest of the world.
The result has been described as a social revolution, and holds the largest turnout figure of voters since the foundation of the State.
Since the announcement yesterday evening, the world has been congratulating Ireland on the major achievement. For a country known as very traditionally catholic and conservative to be the first to stand up and vote for marriage equality marks a massive statement on an international scale.
Welcome to a progressive, new, and equal Ireland.
“Ireland is a small country with a big message”
– Enda Kenny, Taoiseach
“Together the people of Ireland have struck a massive blow against discrimination.”
– Joan Burton, Tánaiste
“This referendum was a moment where Irish people expressed their decency and their generosity”.
– Eamon Gilmore, Labour Party Leader
Watch Ireland’s reaction at Dublin castle below: