Yes, we do: Senator Jerry Buttimer marries Conchobhar Ó Laoghaire

Senator Jerry Buttimer married his partner, Conchobhar Ó Laoghaire, yesterday in a ceremony attended by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Enda Kenny, and Frances Fitzgerald.

Senator Jerry Buttimer married his partner, Conchobhar Ó Laoghaire, yesterday in a ceremony attended by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Enda Kenny, and Frances Fitzgerald. 

Their attendance was entirely appropriate as they were among the few politicians ready to do more than give lip service to the idea of marriage equality.

They were, even though this involved considerable risk before the public’s position on the issue was fully understood, agents for positive change.

This May will mark the third anniversary of the referendum that made Ireland the first country to democratically endorse marriage equality. 

The sky has not fallen in, no-one turned into a pillar of salt, fire and brimstone have not rained down. 

Happiness, joy and love have been shared in a way previously impossible — and still so in the North — among 1,500 or so couples who availed of the opportunity.

Australia recently became the 25th democracy to embrace marriage equality. 

We can be proud we were the first to do so by using the political process in a positive, powerful, and empowering way — and one with a happy ending.