Summary: With the law making same-sex marriage legal going into effect in the Republic of Ireland, those in support can finally celebrate.
First passed in May by popular vote, Ireland can now celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriages in the country. The Marriage Act 2015 has come into action and will affect those with legal marriages from abroad first.
One such couple includes Orla Howard and Dr. Grainne Courtney. The two were married two years ago in the United States and have been living in Dublin with their two grown-up daughters. Howard told BBC of Northern Ireland, “It’s a terrific moment, because our marriage will be the same as any straight couple’s marriage from Monday morning. It will bring all of the rights and protections that marriage brings, from the constitutional point of view, to our family and that’s one of the key things for us.”
It is expected the first ceremonies will be for couples that had applied to register a civil partnership and can now change this to a marriage application. Those already living in a civil partnership in the Republic of Ireland can now get married after first giving the civil registration office at least a five day notice.
New applications for civil partnerships are no longer accepted, but those already in one can remain as such and not get married. The new law does not require churches or religious institutions that object to the law to perform the ceremonies.
Ireland has been moving forward in the past year to ensure all their citizens have equal rights. Ireland is also leading the way with drug reforms.
Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34810598
Photo: nytimes.com