Considerable surprise has been expressed around the world about the fact that traditionally conservative and Catholic Ireland approved same-sex marriage in a referendum May 22 by a majority of nearly two to one. The fact is, Ireland is no longer a Catholic country in the old sense. Much of the state’s urban population is what
Irish voters back gay marriage in ‘social revolution’
The people of Ireland backed same-sex marriage by a landslide in a referendum that marked a dramatic social shift in a traditionally Catholic country that only decriminalized homosexuality two decades ago. After one of the largest turnouts in a referendum there, 62 percent of voters said ‘Yes’, making Ireland the first country to adopt same-sex
Ireland votes on legalizing gay marriage; Church is opposed
For months, Ireland has debated whether to legalize gay marriage. Now it’s time to vote, and the choice is a simple yes or no. Friday’s referendum on amending the Irish constitution to give marriage rights to homosexuals is expected to be approved, based on opinion polls that consistently gave “yes” voters a double-digit lead throughout