Ban Ki-Moon praises Ireland's vote for same-sex marriage

The head of the United Nations has praised Ireland for its vote on same-sex marriage.

Ban Ki-Moon says the historic vote is a sign that Ireland wants to make sure no community is left out of society.

The UN secretary-general is in Dublin this evening after a meeting with President Michael D Higgins earlier today.

Mr Ban says the vote proves that you don't have to be gay to be passionate about gay rights.

Ireland appears to have voted for same-sex marriage: equality minister http://t.co/vhpuMTpMtg

— Reuters (@Reuters) May 23, 2015

"Ireland voted on marriage but in the process you have also decided to fully include members of the LGBT community in the life of this nation," said Mr Ban.

Ireland gay marriage referendum results: yes vote expected - live http://t.co/iJj7y1xkJf pic.twitter.com/4VZXflFRNE

— The Guardian (@guardian) May 23, 2015

"You do not have to be LGBT to care about LGBT rights, you only have to care about equality, fairness and human dignity."