Same-sex marriage clears final political hurdle

The last hurdle to same-sex marriage has been cleared with the signing into law of marriage equality.

The Justice Minister has signed the commencement order for the Marriage Equality Act, meaning same sex marriages will now have the same Constitutional protection as other marriages.

Frances Fitzgerald thanked the Irish people for their support.

“The Irish people blazed a trail on 22 May 2015 when they became the first sovereign people to choose marriage equality by popular vote,” said the Justice Minister in a statement.

“They determined that Ireland should be characterised by solidarity and inclusiveness. They have reaffirmed the importance of marriage and family for our society.

“It is a real pleasure to sign this Order in the company of some of the couples who will be able to marry in the coming weeks and months. The Marriage Act has profound symbolic importance, but will also have a real and tangible impact on their family life.”