Taoiseach: Referendum result a 'Yes for love'; first weddings possible this Autumn

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton have welcomed the Yes vote in the marriage equality referendum, saying it is a vote for the future.

Taoiseach: Referendum result a 'Yes for love'; first weddings possible this Autumn

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton have welcomed the Yes vote in the marriage equality referendum, saying it is a vote for the future.

Mr Kenny said: "The people went to the polls. It passed. The answer is yes - yes to their future, yes to their love, yes to their equal marriage."

Ms Burton said: "Most of all, I'll think of the children in every town, village and schoolyard who will now grow up knowing their country accepts them."

The first same-sex marriages are still some months off, but the Health Minister Leo Varadkar has promised the legislation necessary will be passed by, July allowing for marriages by the Autumn.

Earlier today, the Taoiseach said there had been a palpable movement of people wanting to get involved in the issue.

“I think from a young person’s perspective, particularly for those who travelled to put a simple mark on a paper, shows the value of the issue and the importance of politics,” he told RTE.

At the count today, shortly before the official result was announced, Senator David Norris thanked former Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore for first putting the issue of marriage equality on the political agenda.

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