Robbie Keane wants Ireland to say ‘Yes’ to marriage equality

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has declared his full support for a Yes vote in the upcoming referendum on marriage equality.

Robbie Keane pictured with wife Claudine earlier this year.

“I am a very proud Irishman and it is important to me that our country does, and is seen to, treat all of its citizens on an equal footing,” Keane said.

Robbie Keane is with us on May 22nd! pic.twitter.com/vcTKPrcMmV

— Yes Equality (@YesEquality2015) May 10, 2015

The player aired his views in an open letter which was published in yesterday’s Sunday World.

Keane will not be able to come home to vote in the referendum on May 22, but has urged his fellow citizens to agree to the proposed changes.

“As a sportsman, fairness is key,” he explained. “My own personal view is that changing our Constitution on this issue is the right decision as it will give people the choice and opportunity to marry, irrespective of the fact that they may wish to marry someone of the same gender.”

Well said Robbie Keane @UmbroIreland is in agreement! #YesEquality #MarRef #Yes @YesEquality2015 @ClaudineKeane1 pic.twitter.com/xNpTLadhCk

— Umbro Ireland (@UmbroIreland) May 10, 2015

The striker, who lives in the US with his family, believes a Yes vote would reflect positively on the country as a whole.

“Marriage equality is an easy answer for me and will show the world that Ireland is a compassionate country that recognises and accepts diversity, and most importantly treats its’ citizens equally,” he said.

“The rules of the game should be the same for all, no matter what team is right for you.”

At his club LA Galaxy, Keane plays with one of the few openly gay athletes in world soccer - American footballer Robbie Rogers.

Keane is just the latest Irish star to come out in support of a Yes vote in the marriage equality referendum.

I'm certainly voting yes! #straightupforequality

— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) March 13, 2015