Convention votes in favour of referendum on same-sex marriage

The Constitutional Convention has passed a vote calling for a referendum on same-sex marriage.

Convention votes in favour of referendum on same-sex marriage

The Constitutional Convention has passed a vote calling for a referendum on same-sex marriage.

The Convention decided to recommend that the Constitution be changed to allow for civil marriage for same-sex couples, with 79 of the 100 members in favour of the motion.

Nineteen delegates voted against, with one 'no opinion'.

A report will now be drafted and the recommendations of the Constitutional Convention will now go to Government.

After the report is officially sent to the Oireachtas, the Government are committed to responding within four months by way of a debate in the Oireachtas and if it agrees with the recommendation to amend the Constitution, to include a timeframe for a referendum.

The result was announced by Convention Chairman Tom Arnold, to applause from the floor.

“I would like to thank all of the participants who contributed to the Constitutional Convention’s same-sex marriage discussion," Mr Arnold commented.

"I am very pleased that proceedings were conducted in a fair and transparent manner with all sides getting an opportunity to make their respective cases.

"This weekend’s discussions have been both passionate and thoughtful, both heartfelt and rigorous.”

(ConstitutionIE via YouTube)

The Constitutional Convention on the Constitution is a forum of 100 people representative of Irish society, established by the Oireachtas to consider and make recommendations on topics as possible future amendments to the Constitution.

Speaking after the result, Mark Kelly of the Irish Council of Civil Liberties said it’s now up to the government to act quickly.

Michelle Mulherin, Fine Gael TD for Mayo, says the matter will now be considered by Government.

The next meeting of the Constitutional Convention will consider the Dáil electoral system and the way in which we elect our politicians.

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