Marriage equality 10 years on: Referendum future-proofed same-sex marriage in an uncertain world

As recent events in the UK, Italy and Hungary show, legislation that discriminates against the LGBT+ community is becoming increasingly common, so we should be proud of Ireland's marriage equality referendum in 2015

Rory O'Neill, also known by his stage name Panti, witnesses the passing of the referendum on marriage equality at Dublin Castle with members of the public in 2015. Picture: Fergal Phillips

On May 22, 2015, over 62% of voters said ‘Yes’ in the marriage equality referendum, which led to the legalisation of same-sex marriage. 

Reflecting on this historic event a decade on, the positive, affirming referendum result takes on a whole new significance. Today’s world is one in which the rights of minorities, including the LGBT+ community, appear to be increasingly under attack, even in a number of our fellow EU Member States.