Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

For us, the Bill marks a big step forward for LGBTQ equality in Ireland. The referendum was an opportunity for people across Ireland - and they took it - to say they opposed discrimination and homophobia. The referendum was held because of pressure from campaigning groups and the vote was won because of activists who had worked tirelessly over the years on the issue, Marriage Equality, the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network ,GLEN, LGBT Noise and a host of other organisations. LGBTQ people who had never been politically active before became campaigners and fighters for equality, going door to door, talking about their stories, mobilising their friends, organising canvassing and sharing their stories on social media. The work they did had an enormous effect across the country. Particularly, young people, women and working class communities were inspired to mobilise, come out to vote and be part of the campaign.

12 o’clock

People instinctively understood that discrimination should be rejected and supported the referendum.

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