It is 10 years since people in the Republic of Ireland voted overwhelmingly to legalise same-sex marriage in an historic referendum. On 22 May 2015, more than62% voted in favour of amending the country's constitution to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. It was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage through a popular vote. Some 5,956 same-sex marriages have taken place since. BBC News NI has been speaking to some couples who tied the knot. Steven Smyrl and Roy Stanley have been together for more than 20 years, and they entered a civil partnership in 2011. Steven said the couple recognised that step "would bring full equality, and it did". "It paved the way for the enormity of the 'yes' vote," he said. Roy said that when they entered their civil partnership, it allowed family members to attend - some of whom died before they would marry seven years later. The vote on same-sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland was held 22 years after homosexual acts were decriminalised in the country. It meant a marriage between two people of the same sex would have the same status under the Irish constitution as a marriage between a man and a woman. Civil partnerships for same-sex couples had been legal in Ireland since 2010 - and this was the route many same-sex couples went down at first. Michael Conlon, from Belfast, lived in the Republic of Ireland at the time of the referendum and was in a civil partnership with his now husband, Ger. "I had always assumed civil partnership was pretty much it. You got all the rights as marriage and it turns out, in the south, that wasn't the case," he said. Michael campaigned for a 'yes' vote in the build-up to the referendum. He said the ensuing celebrations were like "Ireland had won the world cup". "I suppose it was almost as if something so monumental had happened. It was like the country had won something. "It was an experience I could not really put into words," he added. At the time of the referendum, Ireland became the 20th country to legalise same-sex marriage; now there are 38 countries. In total, 1,201,607 people voted in favour of same-sex marriage, while 734,300 voted against. Out of 43 constituencies, only the largely rural Roscommon-South Leitrim had a majority of "no" votes. For Roy and Steven, the referendum result was never in doubt. "I think it was a surprise to everybody, including those that voted yes and and those that voted no, just the the size of the the majority in favour," said Steven. Journalist Una Mullally told BBC News NI that the campaign for the referendum was the "culmination of many years of organising and protesting and activism". "At times it felt like a pipe dream. The early protests were very small. It certainly wasn't on the political agenda. "There was a lot of education and awareness and visibility and representation work to be done on the public agenda. So it was a long movement." Una said the results made her feel "utter relief and happiness. I mean it was complete joy." She added that it is a day she will "never forget." Crediting the work people had put into it, she said: "All of the canvassing, all of the volunteering, all of the campaigning, it was just like this huge wave had fallen. "I think the level of the result as well - that it wasn't marginal - so it was just this kind of safety and feeling that so many people were with the community." Michael said that he and his now husband had not planned on getting married - until the involvement of a friend who was the then lord mayor of Dublin. Their wedding happened in the Lord Mayor's official residence, The Mansion House in 2018. "Because we'd done done the the big celebration in 2011, that [wedding] was a more select celebration. "But the people who attended in 2011, a lot of them said to us... they'd never been to such a joyful wedding and that's partly because it just meant so much to everybody there, because it was something denied to us for so long," Roy said. Una went to Las Vegas for her wedding to Sarah Francis, adding: "It was hard to even conceptualise getting married in a weird way, because, I guess, it didn't exist as a right for so long. "But for that right to be recognised in the country where I'm from, where I grew up, where I live, it is profound in a rights' context." After their marriage in 2018, Steven, wasremoved from his position as an elderwith the Presbyterian Church in Dublin, which left them both "feeling really shaken". "To dismiss me as an elder, and there's plenty of people would say, well, he knew what he was doing. "Yeah, I knew what I was doing, simple as that. But, I love Roy with all my heart and there was absolutely no way that we were not going to be celebrating our marriage." He added that he saw no theological inconsistency with same-sex marriage. "Nobody really gives a second thought about the fact that two people with the same sex might want to get married," said Steven. Una, however, said that bigotry can "find new avenues". "There is a strange atmosphere that we're experiencing on this island and in so many other countries when it comes to resentment and grievance around minorities in general." Michael and his husband have now moved back to Northern Ireland,where same-sex marriage wasn't legal until 2020. He said the perception of gay people had been "for the most part really positive". "Even some of the really religious people who are fundamentally against it, they're kind of more accepting of it," he said. "They see that the sky didn't fall in, that they can still go to church, they can still pray, that none of their rights were taken away."
What has changed 10 years after Ireland's same-sex marriage referendum?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Reflecting on a Decade Since Ireland's Same-Sex Marriage Referendum"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Ten years after the historic referendum on May 22, 2015, which saw over 62% of voters in the Republic of Ireland support the legalization of same-sex marriage, significant transformations have occurred in the lives of many couples. This referendum marked a groundbreaking moment, making Ireland the first country to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular vote. Since then, 5,956 same-sex marriages have taken place, symbolizing a shift towards greater acceptance and equality. Couples like Steven Smyrl and Roy Stanley, who have been together for more than two decades, reflect on their journey from a civil partnership in 2011 to finally marrying in 2018. They emphasize the importance of their civil partnership in paving the way for the referendum, allowing family members to witness their commitment before some passed away. Michael Conlon, who campaigned for the 'yes' vote, expressed the joy felt across the nation, comparing the celebratory atmosphere to winning the World Cup. The overwhelming support for the referendum, with only one constituency opposing it, highlighted a significant change in societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights in Ireland over the years.
The journey towards legalization was not without its challenges, as journalist Una Mullally noted the extensive groundwork of organizing, protesting, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights that preceded the vote. The emotions surrounding the referendum's success were profound, as many felt a sense of relief and happiness, marking a monumental change in Irish society. However, despite the progress, some individuals still face challenges; for instance, after their marriage, Steven was removed from his position as an elder in the Presbyterian Church, illustrating the ongoing tensions between personal rights and traditional beliefs. Nonetheless, attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals have generally improved, even among some religious groups. Michael, who has since moved back to Northern Ireland where same-sex marriage was legalized in 2020, noted a more accepting perception of gay people. As the tenth anniversary of the referendum approaches, it serves as a reminder of both the progress made and the work still needed to ensure equality and acceptance for all members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland and beyond.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reflects on the progress made in Ireland regarding same-sex marriage a decade after the historic referendum that legalized it. It highlights personal stories of couples who have experienced significant changes in their lives since the referendum. The narrative emphasizes the societal shift in perceptions towards LGBTQ+ rights in Ireland, celebrating the milestone as a victory for equality and inclusion.
Purpose and Impact
The intention behind sharing this reflection is to celebrate the advancements in LGBTQ+ rights and to raise awareness about the ongoing journey towards equality. By recounting personal experiences, the article likely aims to foster a sense of community and support among LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies, as well as to encourage further discussions about equality.
Public Sentiment
The article appears to create a positive sentiment towards the changes achieved in Irish society, portraying the referendum as a landmark moment. This framing suggests an effort to inspire pride and unity among supporters of same-sex marriage, showcasing the emotional significance of the vote and its aftermath.
Omissions or Hidden Aspects
While the article primarily focuses on the positive outcomes of the referendum, it does not delve deeply into any ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland. There may be issues such as discrimination or gaps in rights that are not addressed, which could present a more nuanced view of the current state of equality.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not appear overtly manipulative. It uses emotional narratives to emphasize the importance of the referendum, which may lead to a one-sided view if not balanced with discussions on ongoing challenges. The language is celebratory, focusing on achievements rather than potential setbacks.
Authenticity and Reliability
The content seems authentic, grounded in personal experiences and factual recounting of events surrounding the referendum. The use of direct quotes from individuals who experienced the changes firsthand adds to its credibility. However, the lack of a broader critique of current issues in the LGBTQ+ community might limit the depth of the analysis.
Societal and Economic Implications
This article could potentially influence societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights, encouraging further advocacy and support for equality measures. Economically, it might attract attention from businesses that align with progressive values, potentially affecting consumer behavior and investment in inclusive initiatives.
Target Audience
The piece primarily appeals to LGBTQ+ communities and their allies, as well as individuals interested in social justice and equality. It seeks to resonate with those who support the progress made since the referendum and who may advocate for continued improvements in rights and recognition.
Global Context
In terms of global implications, the article reflects a broader trend of increasing acceptance and legalization of same-sex marriage worldwide. It may serve as a model for other countries considering similar reforms, emphasizing the significance of public support in enacting social change.
Use of AI in Writing
It is unlikely that AI played a significant role in composing this article, as the personal narratives and emotional depth suggest a human touch in storytelling. However, if AI were used, it might have influenced the structure and flow of the article, enhancing readability while maintaining a focus on emotional engagement.
In conclusion, the article provides a mostly reliable and positive view of the progress made in Ireland regarding same-sex marriage, while omitting some critical discussions about ongoing challenges. Its intent appears to be celebratory, aiming to inspire further advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.