Gay marriage: Ireland to vote in historic referendum

Ireland could become the first country in the world to vote for same-sex marriage in a historic referendum this week in this traditionally Catholic nation.

Voters on Friday will be asked whether or not to add an article to the Irish constitution saying: “Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.” 

The latest polls show the “Yes” side in the lead.

Volunteers for and against gay marriage have been canvassing door to door in recent weeks and billboards have appeared appealing for votes, as a colourful “Yes” bus makes its way around the country.

All the main political parties, including conservatives, are supporting the change -- a seismic shift in a <g data-gr-id="21">country where homosexuality was only decriminalised in 1993 and abortion</g> is still illegal.

But a “Yes” victory is by no means certain and there is concern among proponents about whether “Yes” supporters will come out and cast their ballots. “We will ensure that people will be treated equally, no matter who they love,” Prime Minister Enda Kenny has said.

The move is opposed by the Catholic Church, whose influence has waned in Ireland amid growing 

secularisation and after a wave of child sex abuse scandals that badly discredited the hierarchy.

“Marriage should be reserved for the unique and complementary relationship between a woman and a man from which the generation and upbringing of children <g data-gr-id="23">is</g> uniquely possible,” the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference said in a statement.