Ireland readies for world’s first popular vote on gay marriage

Ireland votes on Friday on whether to allow gay marriage in a referendum that could make the once deeply Catholic country the first in the world to adopt the policy by popular vote. The reform is backed by all political parties, championed by big employers and endorsed by celebrities, all hoping it will mark a transformation in the last country in Western Europe to decriminalize homosexuality just over two decades ago. Polls have indicated it will be passed by a margin of as much as two-to-one.

Failure to support civil marriage equality may do untold damage to Ireland’s international reputation.

Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC)

But ‘No’ campaigners say government and media campaigns in favour of gay marriage have stifled debate, accusing Twitter of interfering when its local chief executive wrote that Ireland’s international business reputation would be enhanced if the referendum is approved. While Ireland was the last country in Western Europe to decriminalise gay sex, social attitudes have shifted as the Church’s domination of politics collapsed after a series of sex abuse scandals.

Europe Ireland gay marriage