Same-sex marriage vote sparks surge in calls to LGBT helpline

The same-sex marriage referendum sparked an influx of calls to a support service for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people as it recorded its busiest year.

LGBT Helpline said nearly 77,000 people accessed information and support through its phone and online services last year, with demand highest in the week leading up to the equality vote last May.

Paula Fagan, national co-ordinator for the service, said major law reforms on same-sex parenting rights, gender recognition, and employment equality were important but the emotive marriage equality campaign was felt most deeply.