Marriage Referendum: Time to hang out our brightest colours

Ireland has been redefined. We are all equals as citizens under the Constitution, writes Jerry Buttimer.          

Thank you to the people of Ireland for their generosity, courage, and affirmation of all us as people. It is in fact Ireland we redefined and not marriage, in voting yes. Today a small nation with a huge heart shines brightly across the world as one that cherishes all of its children equally. With this massive endorsement, the people have affirmed that we are all equals as citizens under our Constitution. We are now the first country in the world to democratically vote in favour of equal marriage. And we did so resoundingly. This says a huge amount about who we are and will change how the world views us. This is a statement that our country values all of us the same irrespective of who we are and who we love. It is a time to hang out our brightest colours.

It’s a day that gay people in Ireland had hoped for and dreamed of for decades, one that many of us who advocated and campaigned for thought may never come. Today as a gay, equal citizen, I can write with pride that the people cast their ballots for hope over isolation and fear, and for a truly equal and just society.