Ireland to have Referendum on Gay Marriage in 2015!

Over the years we have seen Ireland become a gradually more liberal society. Yes, there is a conservative core, but the younger generation really do see people as people, and are not weighed down with traditional views on what is ‘right’ or ‘deviant’.

Further evidence of of this change in attitudes comes with the decision to announce a referendum on the introduction of gay marriage in 2015. This is a bill that is going to be backed by the government, and if they are willing to give it to the people, then they are expecting a positive answer.

It seems mad that it was only 20 years ago that homosexuality was decriminalised. Now we could be taking another big step on the road to equality for people of all persuasions.

Kieran Rose, chairman of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) described the move as a “historic step on the road to equality”, whilst Noeleen Hartigan, programmes director for Amnesty said “This is the first step towards true marriage equality in Ireland.”

Two gay men after wedding ceremony

Obviously the idea of gay marriage hasn’t gone down well in all quarters, notably with the Catholic Church. The Catholic Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Denis Nulty, said the Catholic Church in Ireland would campaign against the introduction of same sex marriage.

“The Church regards the family based on marriage between a man and a woman as the single most important institution in society.”

“To change the nature of marriage would be to undermine it as a fundamental building block of our society”, the Bishop added.

I always find this argument amusing. It is like they can’t say that homosexuality is disgusting any more, so have to tailor their argument to ‘protecting the traditional family unit’

Here at Escort Ireland, we will certainly be supporting the bill come referendum sign. If people want to live a lifestyle, which though different, isn’t harming anyone, who really should stop them?

Come on Ireland, pass this bill!

Martin Ward
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