Ireland: Early Voting Results Show Probable Legalization of Gay Marriage
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Early results suggest the Republic of Ireland has voted to legalise same-sex marriage in a historic referendum.
More than 3.2m people were asked whether they wanted to amend the country’s constitution to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.
Government ministers have said they believe it will pass, while prominent “no” campaigners have conceded defeat.
Counting started at 09:00 BST on Saturday morning. An “unusually high” turnout has been reported.
A final result is expected late afternoon on Saturday.
Conceded
If the change is approved, the Republic of Ireland would become the first country to legalise same-sex marriage through a popular vote.
Minister for Equality Aodhan O Riordain said on Twitter: “I’m calling it. Key boxes opened. It’s a yes. And a landslide across Dublin. And I’m so proud to be Irish today.”
Minister for Health Leo Varadkar, who earlier this year came out as the Republic of Ireland’s first openly gay minister, said the campaign had been “almost like a social revolution”.
Speaking from the Dublin count, he told Irish broadcaster RTE that it appeared about 75% of votes being counted there were in favour of legalising same-sex marriage.
Some prominent “no” campaigners have already conceded defeat.
David Quinn of the Iona Institute, a Catholic group, said it was “obviously a very impressive victory for the ‘yes’ side”.
Read more at BBC.com:
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Can you imagine the congrats coming from the opposite side from the anti gay groups here? yeah neither can I. Probable my ass or arse right it won in a landslide. I saw some of the home to vote things on twitter yesterday and people were going back there in droves to vote for equality. The usual suspects are all butt hurt today, Brian Brown, Porno Pete, Matt Barber et al all have their frilly panties in bunches. Me, myself, I have on order, a shirt I saw some people wearing for the bestie. Says on it, It takes balls to be a fairy.