LGBT advocates have reflected on the nature of the marriage equality referendum on its 7th anniversary, arguing that homophobia still remains a considerable issue in Irish society.
Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same sex marriage through a referendum on the 23rd May 2015, a day after the votes were cast. Almost 2 million people turned out at the polls, with 62% voting in favour of same sex marriage.
However, some social media users have said the campaigning for the referendum enabled homophobic discourse in everyday life, and that homophobia still remains a significant problem nationwide.
“Ireland voted yes in the marriage equality referendum. But marriage equality did not end discrimination against the LGBTQI+ Community. There has been significant progress in Ireland, but there is still much more work that needs to be done,” advocacy group LGBT Ireland said in a statement on Twitter.
The passing of the referendum resulted in a joyous celebration within the grounds of Dublin Castle, attended by the LGBTQI+ community, campaigners and government ministers alike. All constituencies, bar Roscommon-Leitrim, voted in favour of marriage equality, with the ‘Yes’ vote exceeding 70% in the Dublin area.
The social impact of the referendum was evident, with former Archbishop Diarmuid Martin saying that it was a “wake up call” for the Catholic Church.
The marriage equality referendum was also marked by a high turnout, with tens of thousands of people registering at the ballot for the first time in order to cast their vote.
A vote on reducing the age barrier placed on presidential candidates from 35 to 21 was also held in conjunction with the marriage equality referendum, but was ultimately rejected.
