Ireland is expected to become the 20th nation to legislate for marriage equality after there was a huge turnout for its national referendum.
Unlike most countries who can implement marriage equality through an act of parliament, Ireland’s description of marriage is written into it’s constitution.
There are reports that up to 60% of voters may have turned out for the referendum, a level as high as a general election. Unlike Australia in Ireland voting is not compulsory.
The ‘Yes’ campaign has been encouraged by an internet campaign that saw thousands of Irish emigrants return home so they could support the campaign for change.
The hashtag #hometovote saw reports of thousands of people heading back to the emerald isle to vote. Posts on social media saw Irish citizens traveling from London, Edinburgh, New York and even as far away as Sydney.
As postal votes were not permitted, people had to return to Ireland to have their voice included in the historical referendum. If successful Ireland will become the first country to introduce marriage equality via a popular vote.
The ‘Yes’ campaign has been supported by all political parties with only two politicians actively campaigning against change. A large number of celebrities have also thrown their support behind the ‘Yes’ campaign.
For the full breadth of how brilliant Irish going #hometovote was, scroll through @gavinsblog. Warning! May cause awkward swells of pride.
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) May 22, 2015
Never been so happy to be at an airport gate. LGA to PHL to DUB to YES. #hometovote
— Belinda McKeon (@belindamckeon) May 21, 2015
Came #hometovote, my Dad told me to shave my beard and my Mam needs 2 months of tech advice. This better be a Yes.
— Paul McDonnell (@Paul_Austin) May 21, 2015
To my Australian Federal Liberal colleagues, sniff the global political breeze and check out #hometovote
— Clem Newton-Brown (@clemnewtonbrown) May 22, 2015
I flew from San Francisco to vote Yes today. No biggie. #hometovote
— Ali May (@alimayzing) May 22, 2015
The #hometovote hashtag will gladden your heart. And make you cry.
— Panti Bliss (@PantiBliss) May 22, 2015
There were no exit polls, and counting won’t start until Saturday morning, an answer is expected mid-afternoon.
Britian’s Channel 4 news has reported on people returning to Ireland to vote, and highlights a social media campaign called ‘Get the Boat to Vote’ that encouraged Ireland citizens living in the United Kingdom to make the trip home.
Watch the video below.
image: Stock Image – YayMicro|Wavebreakmedia
