Some rural TDs reluctant to canvass for Yes vote in same-sex referendum
A number of rural Fine Gael TDs are reportedly reluctant to knock on doors canvassing for a Yes vote in the forthcoming marriage equality referendum.
The Government is calling for a vote in favour of legislating for same-sex marriage on May 22.
A Sunday Independent straw poll of Fine Gael TDs shows that almost half of them - seven deputies in rural constituencies - said they would publicly support the Government's call for a Yes vote, but would not actively canvass for it, fearing it could impact on their re-election chances.
Others say they will canvass in urban areas of their constituencies, but not in rural locations.
The most recent opinion poll shows almost two thirds in favour of legalising same-sex marriage in Ireland.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International will launch their 'yes' campaign ahead of the upcoming same-sex marriage referendum in Dublin later today.
The public will be asked to vote on May 22nd and Amnesty's calling for a 'yes' vote.
It will take place in Dublin this afternoon.
Executive director of Amnesty International Ireland Colm O'Gorman said: "This referndum is about human rights. It's about equality.
"Amnesty Internaional normally doesn’t get involved in issues that are before the electorate. We certainly never adopt poisitions in elections and it would e rare enough that we could be involved in a referendum campaign.
"But at the heart of the proposal before the people on May 22 is the enshirinment of the principle of equality in our Constitution."
