Fianna Fáil Leader welcomes Marriage Referendum result
Published on: 23 May 2015
“Today’s referendum result on marriage equality is a remarkable achievement,” Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has said.
Speaking at Central Count Centre at Dublin Castle, Deputy Martin said: “Ireland is leading the world today in establishing equal marriage rights for all couples regardless of their gender. The Irish people value marriage, I believe it is bedrock of our society, and today we have strengthened that institution by extending it to same sex couples.
“I want to pay tribute to the Yes campaign which showed enormous capacity to carry a positive message and bring people with it through weeks of campaigning.
“Today Ireland has voted to give full Constitutional protection for families currently providing loving and nurturing homes for many children.
“I believe we will look back on today as a truly historic moment for Ireland.
“As a society Ireland has made great progress in recent decades but the reality is that for many gay and lesbian teenagers they still struggle to come to terms with their sexuality. The fear of rejection in their family and in society is still very real. I believe the result of this referendum will be an extremely powerful message to thousands of young people across the country. They are valued, equal and have the right to the same opportunities in life as their straight friends and siblings, including the right to marry the person they love.
“I want to thank all of the people who voted in the referendum – by doing so they have helped strengthen our Constitutional democracy.”