Thousands are expected to march through Dublin's streets today calling for the introduction of same-sex marriage.
The demonstration is being organised by activist group Noise and Amnesty Ireland, and the Union of Students of Ireland will also be present.
The group meet will beside City Hall in Dublin and will march to the Department of Justice on St Stephen’s Green where there will be a number of speakers.
The Civil Partnership Bill introduced in June gives homosexual couples many of the same statutory rights as married couples.
Many groups however have said the bill treats gay and lesbians as second-class citizens.
“The civil partnership bill is not going to give us equality," said Eloise McInerny, one of the organisers of today's demonstration.
"Only civil marriage will give us equality."
Ms. McInerny also quoted a survey which she said shows Irish people want same-sex marriage.
"Sixty-one per cent of Irish people supported same-sex marriage, 81%t believed in equal treatment for gay and lesbian people. So there is absolutely majority support there from the public.
“We've been calling on those people to come out for the march and they've responded to the call."