Ireland legalises gay marriage in historic vote

Ireland became the first country to approve same-sex marriages by popular vote on Saturday. The vote swept aside the opposition of the Roman Catholic Church.

More than 60 per cent of the 3.2 million people who were eligible to vote cast ballots. According to BBC, an ‘unusually high’ turnout was reported.

Homosexuality in Ireland was decriminalised in 1993, and most forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation are outlawed. Ireland also forbids incitement to hatred based on sexual orientation.

A Yes campaigner reacts at the count centre in Dublin as Ireland holds a referendum on gay marriage. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters

Same-sex marriage supporters pose for a photograph at Dublin Castle in Dublin, Ireland. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters

A same-sex marriage supporter reacts at Dublin Castle in Dublin, Ireland. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters

Men walk past a Yes vote campaign graffiti in central Dublin. Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

Woman holding hands walk past a Yes vote campaign poster in central Dublin. Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

Ballots are counted at the count centre in Dublin. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters