Taoiseach to push for yes vote in gay marriage referendum

Taoiseach Enda Kenny yesterday expressed strong support for same-sex marriage in a move that will send him on another collision course with the Catholic hierarchy.

Mr Kenny’s comments followed the Government’s widely expected decision to hold a referendum extending marriage rights to same- sex couples in 2015 when the electorate may be asked to vote on up to six different referenda on a special “constitution day”.

The Taoiseach said the Government had decided to put Constitutional Convention recommendations, including gay marriage, to the people by mid-2015 and “in respect of today’s decision, I support that very strongly and we’ll campaign for it when it comes”.