Today the Seanad is expected to complete all stages of the Marriage Bill (2015). The Bill gives effect to the Marriage Equality Referendum.

The journey to Marriage Equality has taken over thirty years.

It started with the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993. It continued through equality legislation and other key legislative provisions.

In 2010, we witnessed the groundbreaking Civil Partnership Act of 2010. This year the Children and Family Relationships Act was passed which recognises and protects lesbian and gay headed families with children for the first time.

Then in May 2015, the nation united as we won the historic referendum.

And now after now a long, aroideous journey, the day of full Marriage Equality is upon us.

The Marriage Bill removes the current obstacles in legislation that prevent a lesbian or gay couple from marrying.

The Bill also protects religious bodies to ensure that, if they choose not to, they cannot be compelled to marry lesbian or gay couples.

Existing civil partners will have the choice to marry, but may also choose to remain as civil partners all their lives.

Marriages abroad of lesbian and gay couples will be automatically recognised in Ireland when the Bill is commenced, which will be about two weeks after the President signs the Bill into law.

Kieran Rose, Co-Chair of GLEN says: “Today is a magical day for the people of Ireland and especially for our lesbian and gay citizens. It is one of the most important days in the journey to equality for lesbian and gay people”

 “Finally, every barrier to full constitutional equality will be cleared. There now just remains a matter of weeks before lesbian and gay couples can make the most profound of loving commitments to each other and say ‘I do’ on the same basis as everyone else” said Rose.

Brian Sheehan, GLEN Director and co-Director of the Yes Equality campaign noted that there is a “reduced notice period for existing Irish Civil Partners,” and ”and a lower fee for civil partners to marry”.

He also acknowledged that, “There is further work to be done to ensure that the extraordinary support and goodwill of the Irish people is translated into real change in the daily lives of LGBT people.