Ireland becomes first country to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote
A number of people – including the ‘no’ side in Ireland’s referendum on gay marriage – are crediting the use of the social media campaign #hometovote for the 62 percent win in the historic event.
And Vancouver is no exception to the effort.
Karen Brady traveled 7,000 kilometres from her home in Vancouver to Ireland to cast her ‘yes’ vote. She says it’s been an emotional rollercoaster of an experience.
“It means everything to me, for my future relationships – for any hope that I’ll ever have of having a relationship that is recognized by society as an equal relationship,” said Brady. “There was no way I was going to stay in Vancouver. I couldn’t miss this. It’s just the most important vote I’ll ever make in my whole life.”
She was lucky enough to travel home to Ireland to cast her vote.
“I have a lot of Irish friends who live in Vancouver. Some of them came home, some of them didn’t. And it was just – a tough call to make. Some people who didn’t come home, it was just, you know…they really wanted to be here, but they couldn’t. But I’m just so glad to be here. It’s the greatest day of my life.”
Brady was speaking with CKNW’S Shane Woodford on The Sean Leslie Show.
And some Irish here in Vancouver are celebrating the historic win as well.
Before arriving in Vancouver almost two weeks ago, Paul Coughlan was living in Ireland and campaigning for the yes side. He says he was surprised with the positive response he received from people through out his campaign.
“I wasn’t expecting such an overwhelming positive response,” said Coughlan. “About 70 to 80 per cent on the door were telling me they were voting yes…especially in working class areas. I was worried about if everyone who said they would vote yes actually turn out and vote.”
From what Coughlan has seen from friends and family on social media, celebrations are in full swing throughout the country.
Originally published on CKNW.com
Celebrations in Dublin following YES vote announcement
#DublinNow #mad #crowded #irelandsaysyes #Damestreet #dublincastle
A video posted by _Callmelyly_ (@talolita) on
The photo of today, Ireland making history #marref #yes #equality #dublincastle #2015
A photo posted by Emma Baker (@emmabakerx) on
Ireland, we did a good thing. #marriageequality #ireland #pride #marref #dublincastle
A photo posted by elaine kelly (@heller_keller) on
A photo posted by Stephanie Walsh (@willernia) on
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