Ireland is set to make history tomorrow when a vote is held that will be the first national referendum on marriage equality in the world. The voters will be asked to indicate their approval or disapproval of the 34th amendment to the Irish Constitution: Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction to their sex. Polls are showing significant support for the referendum but turnout is expected to be critical with a large turnout thought to favor approval.
We saw lots of pro signs in Dublin, from a wide range of groups:
,and a few from the No side:
Above a placard from those opposing the referendum, and below a fake magazine cover from the other perspective: Kate - Every child deserves a mother and a father; and William replies: a butler, nanny, footmen, parlour maids....
As we traveled throughout the country, we didn't see near the signs that we saw in Dublin; although there were definitely more on the yes side. In Galway we did come across a group demonstrating against the referendum but there was an equal number of yes supporters standing around them.
On family connections - Mark Govern, a 4th cousin based on Jim's research, has spoken in favor of the referendum. He is coming back to Dublin from Australia to vote citing the historic nature of the vote. He has been interviewed and quoted by the Irish Times, BBC, Reuters, and several other news outlets (Google his name for the coverage). On the Connolly side, Patsy who has been much better on following the local press, heard a union leader opine that if James Connolly were alive today, he would be in favor of the referendum given his forward-looking views.
It is exciting to be here for the vote tomorrow - they will know the results when they start counting the ballots on Saturday. Stay tuned.
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment