Ban Ki-moon praises Ireland on marriage equality vote

United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has declared Ireland’s overwhelming support for gay marriage is a message to the world.

In the country to mark its 60-year membership of the UN and tradition of international peacekeeping, Ban praised Irish voters for making history in the landmark ballot.

Ban Ki-moon

“This is a truly historic moment: Ireland has become the first country in the world to approve marriage equality in a nationwide referendum,” he said.

“The result sends an important message to the world: All people are entitled to enjoy their human rights no matter who they are or whom they love.”

It is only 22 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in the State.

On the back of the resounding yes in the marriage equality referendum – 1.2m Irish voters backed it – attention is now turning to when the first ceremonies will take place.

New laws are expected to be passed by the Dáil before the summer recess, with couples obliged to give the standard three month notification of a wedding day.

While there are likely to be exceptions to the wait, in circumstances such as serious illness, the first ceremonies are not expected until late autumn.