GLEN have expressed concern that same-sex marriage legislation will be delayed until after the Dáil’s summer recess.

The delay stems from an appeal against the outcome of the referendum on May 22. Two men sought to appeal the result but had their claims dismissed. One of the men, Gerry Walshe, an electrician from Clare, is challenging that decision in the Court of Appeal, reports The Irish Times.

The Court of Appeal today said it will hear the case on July 30, meaning the legislation won’t be enacted before the government’s summer recess.

The delay could mean that the first same-sex marriages won’t take place until 2016.

“We are most concerned that these appeals are frustrating the overwhelming will of the people as expressed in the referendum. We do not want to see justice delayed for those lesbian and gay couples waiting to marry,” said Kieran Rose, GLEN chairperson.

“The 1.2 million people who voted yes will be disappointed that the implementation of their decision continues to be delayed,” concluded Rose.