from Amnesty International - Ireland
"Today Ireland became the first country in the world to introduce full
civil marriage equality for all its people, regardless of their sexual
orientation, by way of a universal ballot. In the historic ballot the
Irish electorate voted by 62.1% to 37.9% to endorse an amendment to the
Irish Constitution asserting that “‘Marriage may be contracted in
accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.”
Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland
said: “This decision by the Irish people, in a national referendum, is
enormously important. It will obviously have profound significance to
people here in Ireland, but it will also echo around the world. It sends
a message to LGBTI people everywhere that they, their relationships and
their families matter. That they are entitled to the same human rights
as their straight brothers and sisters, and to the full and equal
protection of the law. It sends a powerful signal to Putin’s Russia, to Museveni’s Uganda,
and to governments and states which continue to discriminate against
LGBTI people and violate their human rights. Most importantly it sends a
message of hope to those all over the world who fight for justice,
freedom and equality.”
Colm O’Gorman said, “Amnesty International Ireland is proud to have
been part of this campaign, and we are delighted with the result. We are
especially heartened at the tone and focus of the campaign. It has
been, for the most part, affirming, positive and even joyous. This was
especially evident in the energy and commitment shown by the many
thousands of people who came together under the Yes Equality banner in
cities, towns and villages right across Ireland to canvass door to door
and street by street. They made this possible, and this is their
victory.”
"Asked a simple question about fairness, equality and respect,
Ireland said yes. Irish people stood on the right side of history by
choosing solidarity over prejudice; and in so doing send a welcome
signal to those around the world still fighting for equal rights," said
John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International Director of Europe and Central
Asia.
Click here for full PRESS RELEASE.
from Amnesty International - Ireland
"Today Ireland became the first country in the world to introduce full civil marriage equality for all its people, regardless of their sexual orientation, by way of a universal ballot. In the historic ballot the Irish electorate voted by 62.1% to 37.9% to endorse an amendment to the Irish Constitution asserting that “‘Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.”
Colm O’Gorman said, “Amnesty International Ireland is proud to have been part of this campaign, and we are delighted with the result. We are especially heartened at the tone and focus of the campaign. It has been, for the most part, affirming, positive and even joyous. This was especially evident in the energy and commitment shown by the many thousands of people who came together under the Yes Equality banner in cities, towns and villages right across Ireland to canvass door to door and street by street. They made this possible, and this is their victory.”
"Asked a simple question about fairness, equality and respect, Ireland said yes. Irish people stood on the right side of history by choosing solidarity over prejudice; and in so doing send a welcome signal to those around the world still fighting for equal rights," said John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International Director of Europe and Central Asia.
Click here for full PRESS RELEASE.
