Gather up a cold pint of Guinness, for it’s time to celebrate. Ireland’s referendum on same-sex marriage has passed by a margin of two to one. 1.2 million citizens turned out at the polls. The Yes vote won in a landslide 62% to 38% vote.
Ireland’s progress on this issue is awe-inspiring. A mere two decades have passed since homosexuality was decriminalized in Ireland. Twenty other countries have passed same-sex marriage, but Ireland is the first to pass the issue by popular vote. We’re watching history happen.
Social media played a tremendous role in engaging young voters on this issue. The response on social media reflects the world’s interest in Ireland’s victory. On Twitter and Facebook, jubilation spread towards the end of a double rainbow.
Same-sex marriage won by a landslide in Ireland. Irish people are now equal & they celebrated with a double rainbow. pic.twitter.com/1wiXUZ8id1
— Sam Kalidi (@samkalidi) May 23, 2015
Not even close: Ireland approves gay marriage in referendum http://t.co/Z9BoU6knLd pic.twitter.com/nlxifHmodI
— Global Edmonton (@GlobalEdmonton) May 23, 2015
I should be drinking celebratory Guinness beer floats in honor of Big Gay™ spreading their Big Gay™ agenda in #Ireland.
— Imani Gandy (Orca’s Version) ⚓️ (@AngryBlackLady) May 23, 2015
Well done people of Ireland. Now @phlaimeaux you have no excuse not to propose to me! #IrelandSaysYes
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) May 23, 2015
Congrats Ireland! Everyone deserves equality under their laws – no matter where they live, no matter who they love. #MarRef #LoveIsLove
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 23, 2015
As an Irish-American woman who spread her father's ashes in #Ireland, I couldn't be prouder today! #LGBT #MarRef @HRC @GLAAD @TrevorProject
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) May 23, 2015
I'm staunchly against leaving civil rights up to a popular vote but I'm thrilled the populous of Ireland seems to embrace #MarriageEqaulity!
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (he/him/his) (@jessetyler) May 23, 2015
WONDERFUL news for Ireland. Now everyone…GO GET MARRIED #LoveWins ❤❤❤👬
— Tom Daley (@TomDaley1994) May 23, 2015
.@cassie10yson I don't have the right to be proud, as I'm not Irish. I'm in awe, that's what I am – Ireland has set an example to the world!
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 23, 2015
YES IRELAND. Yes.
— Jewel Staite (@JewelStaite) May 23, 2015
We journalists mostly cover bad news. But Ireland's vote is a reminder that there's also a current of moral progress–too slow, but real.
— Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) May 23, 2015
Marriage for all in Ireland? The stage is set for a LEAP YEAR re-make! But this time she ends up with a woman. AMY ADAMS! #ShutDownSeaWorld
— Doug Benson (@DougBenson) May 23, 2015
(Via Irish Times & The Journal)