Following the historic Yes vote in May’s marriage equality referendum, the Government has finally approved the Marriage Equality Bill, which was delayed due to legal challenges.

The Government today, September 16, approved the Marriage Equality Bill which will give effect to the marriage equality referendum by updating laws to enable lesbian and gay couples to marry.

Speaking about todays decision, GLEN’s Kieran Rose commented, “We warmly welcome today’s Government decision. The right to marry for lesbian and gay couples is now in the Irish Constitution, thanks to the people of Ireland who resoundingly voted in favour of it on May 22nd. We hope that the Bill can be brought through the Dáil and Seanad as quickly as possible and that we will see lesbian and gay couples marry within the next couple of months.”

“These final steps to ensure equal citizenship for lesbian and gay people are eagerly awaited. Having waited decades, many couples are counting down the weeks to being able to say ‘I do’ to their loved one” said Rose.

“This is another good day for lesbian and gay couples and for their families and friends. We move ever closer to the day when lesbian and gay couples can marry,” concluded Rose.

It is expected that the first same-sex weddings will take place sometime around January 2016, as Irish law requires that couples must file a written three month notice of intent to marry.