Today, February 13, the Trade Unionists for Civil Marriage Equality launch new campaign at Liberty Hall, Dublin, at 6pm.

The event entitled Love & Pride is backed by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). ICTU President John Douglas will be joined by Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin to launch the group which will actively campaign for a Yes vote in the Marriage Equality Referendum in May.

Speakers will include Seamus Dooley (NUJ) and Ethel Buckley (SIPTU), convenors of the campaign group and members of the Congress Executive Council.

The Dublin Gay Men’s Chorus will help launch the campaign with a selection of songs to mark St Valentine’s Day. Campaign members and guests will hold red hearts in support of the Yes campaign while the exterior of Liberty Hall will be lit up in the colours of the rainbow flag for the occasion.

Buckley said she hopes their members and all workers will engage with the marriage equality campaign.

“We don’t see the civil marriage referendum as a gay or straight issues – we see it as an issue of fundamental rights – as a civil rights issue,” she said.

“We want to people to have conversations at work about the referendum in May.”

The evening will conclude with a screening of the Bafta award-winning film Pride.

Everyone is welcome and there is a suggested donation of €20.