David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is a happy day for all of us. For me it is the end of a 46-year-long journey. I am very glad it has ended, because it was beginning to get a little boring, to be honest. This is the overwhelming decision of the people and for that I am most grateful. The gay community could not possibly have done this alone. We were put in this position by the decency, good nature and respect for human rights of the overwhelming majority of the people. For that, I am extremely grateful.

The people in the Gallery applauded us, but I think it is time that we turned around and applauded them. There is no longer gay marriage or same-sex marriage; it is just marriage. That is the way it should be. We will go on during this day of triumph, but we must also remember the many countries where it is dangerous, indeed, fatal to be gay. Now, having achieved fully equality in this country, we must not lose sight of that. That much was said in the Foreign Office yesterday by Minister after Minister. One of the principal Ministers in the department of foreign affairs in London - or whatever they call it - spoke of how her role is to contact those people who are allies and friends and so on, and counter this antagonistic attitude towards gay people. She said we must make clear the moral position that people in the West take with regard to issues of human sexuality. It is a great day for the Seanad and a great day for my friends in the Gallery. I thank the Minister in particular for the dignified and calm way she has dealt with this debate and withstood the onslaught of the "No" campaign.