The polls have closed in Ireland’s historic referendum on marriage equality. Polling stations have reported an “unusually high” turnout for the vote on whether the nation will legalise civil same-sex marriage. Such a constitutional change requires a change to the constitution in Ireland. Polls ahead of the vote predicted it would pass, however the high turnout could mean more older, religious voters are taking part. It could also be a reflection of Irish people living all over the world flying home to vote ‘yes’ – those who have been outside of the country for less than 18 months are still eligible to vote. The referendum is being held 22 years after gay sex was decriminalised in Ireland. The result is expected sometime overnight New Zealand time, with the count beginning around 9AM on Saturday morning, Irish time.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 23rd May 2015 - 10:47am