View source for Same-sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland

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{{redirect|Same-sex marriage in Ireland|the situation in Northern Ireland|Same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland}}
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{{Same-sex unions|marriage}}

[[Same-sex marriage]] has been legal in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] since 16 November 2015.<ref name="legal">{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/1116/742159-same-sex-couples/|title=Same-sex couples can marry from today|publisher=[[Raidió Teilifís Éireann|Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ)]]|work=RTÉ News|date=16 November 2015|access-date=16 November 2015|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102440/https://www.rte.ie/news/2015/1116/742159-same-sex-couples/|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[2015 Irish constitutional referendums|referendum on 22 May 2015]] amended the [[Constitution of Ireland]] to provide that [[marriage]] is recognised irrespective of the sex of the partners.<ref name="rte-703205-referendum-byelection">{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/vote2015/2015/0523/703205-referendum-byelection/|publisher=RTÉ News|title=Ireland says Yes to same-sex marriage|date=23 May 2015|access-date=23 May 2015|archive-date=23 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523224354/http://www.rte.ie/news/vote2015/2015/0523/703205-referendum-byelection/|url-status=live}}</ref> The measure was signed into law by the [[President of Ireland]], [[Michael D. Higgins]], as the [[Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland]] on 29 August 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/president-signs-same-sex-marriage-into-constitution-1.2333882|title=President signs same-sex marriage into Constitution|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |access-date=29 August 2015|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416003042/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/president-signs-same-sex-marriage-into-constitution-1.2333882|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''[[Marriage Act 2015]]'', passed by the [[Oireachtas]] on 22 October 2015 and signed into law by the [[Presidential Commission (Ireland)|Presidential Commission]] on 29 October, gave legislative effect to the amendment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=29530&&CatID=59|title=Marriage Bill 2015 (Number 78 of 2015) – Tithe an Oireachtais|date=15 September 2015|access-date=23 September 2015|archive-date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823120357/http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=29530&&CatID=59|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="passed">{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/same-sex-marriage-legislation-passes-all-stages-in-oireachtas-1.2401863|title=Same-sex marriage legislation passes all stages in Oireachtas|last=O'Regan|first=Michael|date=22 October 2015|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=23 October 2015|archive-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927132647/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/same-sex-marriage-legislation-passes-all-stages-in-oireachtas-1.2401863|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="signature">{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/bill-allowing-for-same-sex-marriage-signed-into-law-1.2410678|title=Bill allowing for same-sex marriage signed into law|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=29 October 2015|access-date=30 October 2015|archive-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927120540/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/bill-allowing-for-same-sex-marriage-signed-into-law-1.2410678|url-status=live}}</ref> Same-sex marriages in Ireland began being recognised from 16 November,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/same-sex-marriage-will-be-possible-from-november-1.2411959|title=Same-sex marriage will be possible from November 2016|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=31 October 2015|author=Patsy McGarry|access-date=1 November 2015|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102113/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/same-sex-marriage-will-be-possible-from-november-1.2411959|url-status=live}}</ref> and the first marriage ceremonies of same-sex couples in Ireland occurred the following day.<ref name="weddings">{{cite web|url=http://rte.ie/news/2015/1117/742465-same-sex-couple-marriage/|title=First same-sex marriages take place|publisher=RTÉ News|date=17 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015|archive-date=21 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121012903/http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/1117/742465-same-sex-couple-marriage/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ireland was the eleventh country in [[Europe]] and the [[Legal status of same-sex marriage|eighteenth in the world]] to allow same-sex couples to marry nationwide.

[[Civil union|Civil partnerships]], granted under the ''[[Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010]]'', gave same-sex couples rights and responsibilities similar, but not equal, to those of [[civil marriage]].<ref name="marriagequality faq">{{cite web|author=Marriage Equality|url=http://www.marriagequality.ie/getinformed/marriage/faqs.html|title=Marriage v Civil Partnership FAQs|access-date=24 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402104325/http://www.marriagequality.ie/getinformed/marriage/faqs.html|archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref> The [[Census of Ireland 2011|2011 Irish census]] revealed 143,600 [[cohabiting]] couples, up from 77,000 in 2002. This included 4,042 in same-sex relationships, up from 1,300.<ref>{{cite web|author=[TheJournal.ie]|year=2012|url=http://www.thejournal.ie/census-shows-family-size-still-declining-but-at-a-slower-pace-400539-Mar2012/|title=Census shows family sizes are still declining|access-date=14 June 2014|archive-date=25 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825202421/http://www.thejournal.ie/census-shows-family-size-still-declining-but-at-a-slower-pace-400539-Mar2012/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Background==

===Law Reform Commission===
In December 2000, as part of the Second Programme of Law Reform, the government requested the [[Law Reform Commission (Ireland)|Law Reform Commission of Ireland]] to examine the rights and duties of cohabitees. In April 2004, the commission published a consultation paper with provisional recommendations on legal issues related to cohabiting relationships.<ref>{{cite web |author=Law Reform Commission |year=2004 |url=https://www.lawreform.ie/_fileupload/consultation%20papers/cp32.htm |title=The Law Reform Recommendations |access-date=12 March 2022 |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403200615/https://www.lawreform.ie/_fileupload/consultation%20papers/cp32.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0427/cohabitation.html|publisher = [[RTÉ News]]|title = Release of the Law Reform Commission Recommendations|date = 27 April 2004|access-date = 17 May 2004|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025223858/http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0427/cohabitation.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0506/primetime.html |publisher=RTÉ News |title=Prime Time report on the Law Reform Commission Recommendations |date=6 May 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050207135056/http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0506/primetime.html |archive-date=7 February 2005 }}</ref> The report included an analysis of issues for same-sex couples. Following responses, the final report was launched in December 2006 by Justice Minister [[Michael McDowell (politician)|Michael McDowell]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Law Reform Commission |year=2006 |url=https://www.lawreform.ie/_fileupload/Reports/R822006cohabitants.pdf |title=The Law Reform Final Recommendations |access-date=13 March 2022 |archive-date=19 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119104307/https://www.lawreform.ie/_fileupload/Reports/R822006cohabitants.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30287379.html |publisher=Irish Examiner |title=Report seeks improved rights for unregistered couples |date=1 December 2006 |access-date=12 March 2022 |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403200615/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30287379.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The consultation proposals called for legal 'presumed' recognition of "qualifying" cohabiting relationships. "Qualifying cohabitees" were defined as unmarried same-sex or opposite-sex cohabiting couples in a 'marriage-like' relationships of 2 years (or 3 years in some cases), to be determined by the courts. The commission reviewed such areas as [[property]], [[Inheritance|succession]], [[Alimony|maintenance]], [[pensions]], [[Welfare spending|social welfare]] and [[tax]], and recommended some changes in the law to provide rights for qualifying cohabitees. These rights would be applied by the court on application as distinct from the 'automatic' rights of legal marriage. The commission took care not to propose anything which would equate [[cohabitation]] with [[marriage]] due to concerns that such a proposal might violate the constitutional protection of the [[family]]. The paper also included recommendations on other steps that cohabiting couples should take such writing [[Will and testament|wills]], defining power of attorney, etc.

===Constitutional review===
The all-party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution,<ref>
 {{cite web|archive-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721123325/http://www.constitution.ie/ |url=http://www.constitution.ie|title=Constitution Review Committee Website|access-date=8 June 2006}}</ref> re-established in December 2002, was conducting a review of the entire [[Constitution of Ireland]]. In October 2004, it invited submissions on the articles related to the family.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/gay-marriage-under-focus-in-review-of-family-rights-1.1162340|newspaper=The Irish Times|title=Gay marriage under focus in review of family rights|author=Liam Reid|date=18 October 2004|access-date=12 March 2022|archive-date=21 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721174649/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/gay-marriage-under-focus-in-review-of-family-rights-1.1162340|url-status=live}}</ref> Chairman [[Denis O'Donovan]] stated that it was examining these articles "to ascertain the extent to which they are serving the good of individuals and the community, with a view to deciding whether changes in them would bring about a greater balance between the two." Among the many issues raised by the committee were the definition of the family and the rights of same-sex couples to marry.

The relevant provisions were Articles 40.3, 41 and 42. Article 41 states:
{{blockquote|The State pledges itself to guard with special care the institution of marriage, on which the family is founded, and to protect it against attack.}}

The committee held oral hearings in spring 2005 and received an unexpectedly large volume of written submissions with at least 60% being opposed to any constitutional changes to marriage or the family,<ref>{{cite news|url = http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2005/04/21/story354069630.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026104125/http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2005/04/21/story354069630.asp|publisher = Irish Examiner|title = Day 2 Contributions the Oireachtas committee on the constitution|date = 21 April 2005 |archive-date=26 October 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2005/04/23/story618823202.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026104130/http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2005/04/23/story618823202.asp|publisher = [[Irish Examiner]]|title = Day 4 Contributions to the Oireachtas committee on the constitution|date = 23 April 2005 |archive-date=26 October 2008 }}</ref> including from members of [[Pro Life Campaign]], [[Family Solidarity]] and the Mother and Child Campaign.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=11 March 2005|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/thousands-join-call-for-no-change-in-status-of-family-1.422071|first=Arthur|last=Beelsey|page=1|title=Thousands join call for no change in status of family|access-date=15 February 2017|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025072605/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/thousands-join-call-for-no-change-in-status-of-family-1.422071|url-status=live}}</ref> The final report,<ref>{{cite web
|author=Constitution Review Committee|year=2006|archive-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721123549/http://www.constitution.ie/reports/10th-Report-Family.pdf |url=http://www.constitution.ie/reports/10th-Report-Family.pdf|title=Report on the Constitution and the Family
|access-date=8 June 2006}}</ref> the tenth interim report of the committee, was launched by [[Taoiseach]] [[Bertie Ahern]] on 24 January 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0124/gay.html|publisher = RTÉ News|title = Launch of the Oireachtas Constitution Report|date = 24 January 2006|access-date = 26 January 2006|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025223927/http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0124/gay.html|url-status = live}}</ref> It recommended no change to the constitutional definitions, as it expected such a [[referendum]] to fail. It suggested that there should instead be legislation for a [[Civil union|civil partnership]] registration open to same-sex or opposite-sex couples which would confer succession, maintenance and taxation rights. Controversially, it also recommended that the 'presumed' recognition of cohabiting partners by the courts, as recommended by the Law Reform Commission, should also be legislated for, but only for opposite-sex couples. The basis for the limitation was that it would be easy for the courts to determine the validity of an opposite-sex relationship if there were children.

===Colley Report===
{{Main|Colley Report}}
On 20 December 2005, Minister for Justice Michael McDowell announced that he was creating a working group in the [[Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration|Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform]] to provide options for government consideration.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/1220/gay.html|publisher = RTÉ News|title = Launch of the Justice Ministry Working Group|date = 20 December 2005|access-date = 29 December 2005|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025145507/http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/1220/gay.html|url-status = live}}</ref> This announcement came on the day after [[Belfast]] in [[Northern Ireland]] held the first of the new [[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|UK civil partnership]] registration ceremonies. The government said that it would legislate following the report, but Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also said there might not be time to do so before the [[2007 Irish general election|upcoming election]]. Chaired by former [[Teachta Dála|TD]] [[Anne Colley]], this working group included the [[Gay and Lesbian Equality Network]] (GLEN), the gay rights lobby organisation, which said they expected a recommendation for [[civil marriage]]. The group facilitated a conference on the topic in May 2006 as input to its reports, which was attended by experts from countries that had introduced civil unions or same-sex marriage. During his speech, McDowell was interrupted by members of the [[Ancient Order of Hibernians]] opposed to the government plans.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0526/mcdowellm.html|publisher = RTÉ News|title = Minister for Justice Heckled by Protesters|date = 26 May 2006|access-date = 30 May 2006|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025145539/http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0526/mcdowellm.html|url-status = live}}</ref>

Initially to report by March 2006,<ref>{{cite web
 |author=DOJ Working Group 
 |year=2006 
 |url=http://www.justice.ie/80256E01003A21A5/vWeb/flJUSQ6VYKDA-en/$File/OptionsPaper.pdf 
 |title=Options Paper on Domestic Partnership 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105035637/http://www.justice.ie/80256E01003A21A5/vWeb/flJUSQ6VYKDA-en/%24File/OptionsPaper.pdf 
 |archive-date= 5 January 2007 
 |access-date=29 November 2006 
 |url-status=dead 
}}</ref> the group presented its report to the government in November 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1128/gay.html|publisher = RTÉ News|title = Report calls for same-sex partnership scheme|date = 28 November 2006|access-date = 28 November 2006|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025145635/http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1128/gay.html|url-status = live}}</ref> They recommended that a civil partnership scheme would resolve most of the issues for same-sex and cohabiting couples, while providing less benefits than [[marriage]]. Offering civil marriage to same-sex couples would be open to a constitutional challenge. They also recommended a legal presumption of partnership for couples who have lived together for three years, or have children together. No recommendations were made for couples in non-conjugal relationships due to lack of research. The cabinet reviewed the report, but no legislation was introduced before the 2007 general election, and in the intervening period the government rejected opposition legislation, saying that legislation should await the Supreme Court appeal in ''[[Zappone v. Revenue Commissioners]]''.

===Other statutory bodies and NGOs===
[[File:MarriagEquality Dublin.JPG|thumb|right|"MarriagEquality" supporting same-sex marriage in Ireland at a demonstration in [[Dublin]], 2009]]
Since 2002, various statutory bodies have issued reports calling for the recognition of ''de facto'' same-sex and opposite-sex relationships:

''Equality Authority'': In January 2001, the authority produced a report
on same-sex partnerships in Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|author=Equality Authority|year=2001|url=http://www.equality.ie/stored-files/PDF/Partnership_Rights_of_Same_Sex_Couples.pdf|title=Report on same-sex couples|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050106220441/http://www.equality.ie/stored-files/PDF/Partnership_Rights_of_Same_Sex_Couples.pdf|archive-date=6 January 2005|access-date=2 February 2006}}</ref> In May 2002, the Equality Authority issued its formal report on equality for lesbians, gays and bisexuals,<ref>{{cite web|author=Equality Authority|year=2002|url=http://www.equality.ie/stored-files/PDF/LGB.pdf
|title=Report on LGB Equality|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030310152027/http://www.equality.ie/stored-files/PDF/LGB.pdf|archive-date=10 March 2003|access-date=2 February 2006}}</ref> which highlighted the lack of recognition for same-sex couples in Irish law. In a departure from the norm, the report recommended legislative changes. These were to give legal recognition to same-sex couples and to provide equality with married couples in the areas of adoption, inheritance and taxation to eliminate discrimination.

''National Economic and Social Forum'': In April 2003, the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) published a report calling for the implementation of equality policies for gay, lesbian and bisexual people, and for the Law Reform Commission to consider models to achieve equal rights for same-sex couples in its then upcoming report.<ref>{{cite web|author=NESF|year=2003|url=http://www.nesf.ie/dynamic/docs/nesf_27.pdf|title=Report 27 – LGB Rights|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809031523/http://www.nesf.ie/dynamic/docs/nesf_27.pdf|archive-date=9 August 2007|access-date=2 February 2006}}</ref>

''[[Irish Human Rights Commission]]'': In a report on ''de facto'' couples presented to the Justice Minister in May 2006,<ref>{{cite web|author=Human Rights Commission |year=2006 |url=http://www.ihrc.ie/_fileupload/banners/DeFactocouples.pdf |title=Report on deFacto couples |access-date=12 May 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910063527/http://www.ihrc.ie/_fileupload/banners/DeFactocouples.pdf |archive-date=10 September 2008 }}</ref> the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) evaluated international standards in dealing with unmarried couples, and assessed the changes needed in Irish law from a human rights perspective.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0512/gay.html |publisher=RTÉ News |title=Release of the ICHR Report |date=12 May 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070505232923/http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0512/gay.html |archive-date= 5 May 2007 }}</ref> The Commission called for legal recognition of all ''de facto'' relationships, but did not call for civil marriage to be made available to same-sex couples. The IHRC also released a report on the civil partnership scheme in January 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ihrc.ie/_fileupload/publications/DISCUSSION_DOCUMENT_ON_CIVIL_PARTNERSHIP_SCHEME_2008_FINAL(2).doc |format=DOC |title=Discussion Document on the Scheme of the Civil Partnership Bill 2008 |publisher=Irish Human Rights Commission |access-date=7 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318195851/http://www.ihrc.ie/_fileupload/publications/DISCUSSION_DOCUMENT_ON_CIVIL_PARTNERSHIP_SCHEME_2008_FINAL%282%29.doc |archive-date=18 March 2009 }}</ref>

''[[Irish Council for Civil Liberties]]'':  Legal recognition of partnership rights and addressing inequalities in family law were a strategic objective of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) for 2004–2009.<ref>{{cite web
|author=Irish Council for Civil Liberties|year=2005|url=http://iccl.ie/DB_Data/issues/Equality_10013_PartnershipRights.htm|title=Initiative on Relationships Equality|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060620130838/http://iccl.ie/DB_Data/issues/Equality_10013_PartnershipRights.htm|archive-date=20 June 2006|access-date=4 December 2009}}</ref> In a December 2004 submission, they welcomed the Law Reform proposals, but said that registered unions were necessary. In a 2005 radio interview, the partnerships officer said that full civil marriage would not be likely to succeed in a referendum. However, their May 2006 report on the issue, "Equality for All Families" launched by ICCL founder [[Kader Asmal]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.iccl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Equality-for-all-Familities-May-2006-1.pdf |title=Equality for all Families |date=April 2006 |publisher=Irish Council for Civil Liberties |access-date=31 May 2021 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127141745/https://www.iccl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Equality-for-all-Familities-May-2006-1.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> called for legislated partnership registration and revisions to the constitutional provisions on civil marriage and the family, to give improved protection to children. This revision, which might require a referendum, should include a right to marry irrespective of sexual orientation.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2006/05/24/liberty-group-pushes-for-gay-equality/|publisher = [[PinkNews]]|title = ICCL Pushes for gay equality|date = 24 May 2006|access-date = 7 October 2009|archive-date = 11 April 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190411125640/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2006/05/24/liberty-group-pushes-for-gay-equality/|url-status = live}}</ref>

==Civil partnerships==
{{Same-sex marriage map Europe|align=right}}

===Summary===
[[Civil union|Civil partnerships]] ({{langx|ga|páirtnéireacht shibhialta}},<ref>{{cite web |title=Páirtnéireacht shibhialta agus lánúineacha comhghnéis |url=https://www.citizensinformation.ie/ga/birth-family-relationships/civil-partnerships/civil-partnerships/ |website=Citizens Information |access-date=5 June 2023}}</ref> {{IPA|ga|ˈpˠaːɾˠtʲnʲeːɾʲəxt̪ˠ ˈhɪvʲiəl̪ˠt̪ˠə|pron}}), introduced by the ''[[Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010]]'', gave same-sex couples rights and responsibilities similar, but not equal to, those of [[civil marriage]].<ref name="marriagequality faq" /> The ability to enter into a civil partnership ended on 16 November 2015.<ref name="November">{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/same-sex-marriage-will-be-possible-from-november-1.2411959|title=Same-sex marriage will be possible from November|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=31 October 2015|first=Patsy|last=McGarry|access-date=1 November 2015|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102113/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/same-sex-marriage-will-be-possible-from-november-1.2411959|url-status=live}}</ref> Constitutional protections granted to spouses, such as the spouse of a witness not being compelled to give evidence against their spouse in most cases, is one example of protections granted under civil partnerships. Spouses may further claim privilege in so far as necessary to protect the constitutional right to marital privacy. No such constitutional protections existed for civil partnerships. Further inequalities in relation to the family, immigration and other types of Irish law existed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.marriagequality.ie/download/xls/marriage_equality_missing_pieces_audit_full_list.xls |title=Marriage Equality's Missing Pieces Audit: Full List of Provisions Examined |access-date=9 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518072447/http://www.marriagequality.ie/download/xls/marriage_equality_missing_pieces_audit_full_list.xls |archive-date=18 May 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The legislation also provided rights for participants in long-term cohabiting relationships (opposite-sex or same-sex) who had not entered into a civil partnership or [[marriage]]. The following entry focuses primarily on the same-sex civil partnership aspect of the act, as opposed to the cohabitation aspect.

The ''Civil Partnership Act'' came into effect on 1 January 2011.<ref name="Partnership laws come into force"/> It had been expected that the first ceremonies would not take place until April 2011 due to a three-month waiting period required by law for all civil ceremonies.<ref name="Ahern announces commencement of Civil Partnership and Cohabitants Act"/> However, the legislation provided a mechanism for exemptions to be sought through the courts, and the first partnership, which was between two men, was registered on 7 February 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Millar |first=Scott |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/kfeyojsncwey/rss2/ |title=First civil partnership ceremony for same-sex couple |publisher=Irish Examiner |date=21 February 2011 |access-date=2 October 2012 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327123100/https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/kfeyojsncwey/rss2/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> While this ceremony was carried out publicly in the Civil Registration Office in [[Dublin]],<ref>The certificate of the first civil partnership, as registered by the Civil Registration Service. Available at {{cite web|url=http://www.hse.ie/lifeevents/ |title=Applicant's Details |access-date=2012-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720094758/http://www.hse.ie/lifeevents/ |archive-date=20 July 2012 }}</ref> the mainstream media were not present. It was not until 5 April 2011, the date originally anticipated as the date for the first ceremonies, that the media covered a civil partnership.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0405/civilpartnership.html |publisher=RTÉ News |title=First Irish public civil partnership services |date=5 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830091056/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0405/civilpartnership.html |archive-date=30 August 2011 }}</ref> This partnership ceremony, which was between Hugh Walsh and [[Barry Dignam]], also took place in Dublin.

Registration of civil partnerships discontinued on the day same-sex marriage legislation came into effect in November 2015, though existing civil partners are [[grandfather clause|permitted to retain]] their relationship status, as there is no automatic conversion from a civil partnership to marriage.<ref name="BBCarticle">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32862824|title=Church in Ireland needs 'reality check' after gay marriage vote|date=24 May 2015|publisher=BBC|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225220559/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32862824|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Legal history===

====Position before civil partnerships====
In March 2004, there was controversy in [[Dáil Éireann]] surrounding a definition of "spouse" when it was claimed that the [[Minister for Social Protection|Minister for Social and Family Affairs]], [[Mary Coughlan (politician)|Mary Coughlan]], was seeking to exclude non-married partners from social welfare legislation.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0311/gay.html|publisher = RTÉ News|title = Government accused of bid to withdraw gay rights|date = 11 March 2004|access-date = 13 May 2006|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025215710/http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0311/gay.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.oireachtas-debates.gov.ie/D/0582/D.0582.200403110004.html |publisher=[[Oireachtas|Oireachtas Debate Transcripts]] |title=Dáil Debates on 2004 Social Welfare Legislation |date=11 March 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609131029/http://www.oireachtas-debates.gov.ie/D/0582/D.0582.200403110004.html |archive-date= 9 June 2011 }}</ref> The exclusion was a government response to a finding by the [[Workplace Relations Commission|Equality Tribunal]] that a same-sex couple was discriminated against in travel privileges.

The ''Civil Registration Act 2004'' included a prohibition of same-sex marriage. The act explicitly declared that there was an "impediment to a marriage" if "both parties are of the same sex".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2004/act/3/section/2/enacted/en/html |title=Civil Registration Act 2004: §2 Interpretation (2)(e) |date=27 February 2004 |work=Irish Statute Book |access-date=19 February 2020 |archive-date=16 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116044309/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2004/act/3/section/2/enacted/en/html |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2006, the High Court held in ''[[Zappone v. Revenue Commissioners]]'' that marriage as defined in the Irish Constitution was between "a man and a woman" and that there was no breach of rights in the refusal of the Revenue Commissioners to recognise foreign same-sex marriages.

====Norris bill====
In December 2004, Independent Senator [[David Norris (politician)|David Norris]], who had been central to the 1970s and 1980s [[Campaign for Homosexual Law Reform]] and had been successful in the [[European Court of Human Rights]] in ''[[Norris v. Ireland]]'', tabled a [[private member's bill]] on civil partnerships in [[Seanad Éireann]]. The bill provided for the recognition of unmarried partnerships,<ref>{{cite web|website=Houses of the Oireachtas|year=2004|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2004/54/|title=Civil Partnership Bill 2004|access-date=17 February 2020|archive-date=17 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217092943/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2004/54/|url-status=live}}</ref> both same-sex and opposite-sex cohabiting couples. It defined eligibility for a civil partnership and the process of registering a civil partnership. Rather than listing all the rights of a civil partner, it specified that all the rights of marriage would apply to anyone in a civil partnership. However, it specifically defined the dissolution process and the process for recognising foreign civil partnerships. Norris said the bill was initiated "to protect the rights of adults who find themselves in relationships outside the conventional bonds of marriage" and "to meet the requirements of those who are making arrangements in their personal lives outside the formalities of marriage" and who also "need to be supported in the creation of mature stable relationships". Norris said he had done substantial research in order to achieve consensus on a moderate bill which took on board stated reservations.

The debate, including contributions from the [[Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration|Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform]], [[Michael McDowell (politician)|Michael McDowell]], took place on 16 February 2005.<ref>{{cite web |website=Oireachatas |year=2005 |url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2005-02-16/15/ |title=Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. – Seanad Éireann (22nd Seanad) – Wednesday, 16 February 2005 |access-date=17 February 2020 |archive-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217092945/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/seanad/2005-02-16/15/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The majority of speakers supported the principles behind the bill and complimented Senator Norris on his work. Some expressed reservations due to the constitutional protection of the family. A government amendment designed to postpone a vote attracted much acrimony. This postponement was to allow for input from then ongoing investigations: the Law Reform Commission, the High Court case ''Zappone v. Revenue Commissioners'' on the recognition of a Canadian marriage and the Constitutional Review Committee. Eventually, it was agreed to debate the bill but adjourn a vote indefinitely.

====Labour Party bills====
In December 2006, on the same day as the High Court judgment in ''Zappone'', [[Brendan Howlin]], an opposition [[Labour Party (Ireland)|Labour Party]] TD, tabled a private member's bill on civil partnerships in Dáil Éireann.<ref>{{cite web|author=The Labour Party |year=2006 |url=http://www.labour.ie/campaigns/listing/20061214124921.html |title=Civil Unions Bill – Description |access-date=14 December 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312195537/http://www.labour.ie/campaigns/listing/20061214124921.html |archive-date=12 March 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.labour.ie/press/listing/20061214120531.html |publisher=Labour Party |title=Press Release on Civil Unions Bill |date=14 December 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208191644/http://www.labour.ie/press/listing/20061214120531.html |archive-date= 8 February 2007 }}</ref> Similar to the Norris bill in its provisions, this bill defined a civil union as providing all the rights and duties as defined for marriage, but specifically limited civil unions to same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|website=Oireachtas Publications]|year=2006|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2006/68/|title=Civil Unions Bill 2006|access-date=19 February 2020|archive-date=19 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219205119/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2006/68/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also provided for adoption by couples in such unions. The debate,<ref>{{cite web|website=Oireachtas|year=2007|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2007-02-20/24/|title=Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage. – Dáil Éireann (29th Dáil) –Tuesday, 20 Feb 2007|access-date=19 February 2020|archive-date=19 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219205123/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2007-02-20/24/|url-status=live}}</ref> again including contributions from Justice Minister Michael McDowell, took place in February 2007. All speakers supported civil unions for same-sex couples and complimented Deputy Howlin on the bill. One expressed reservations about adoption. Minister McDowell claimed that the bill violated the constitutional provisions on marriage and the family. Government speakers said that civil unions needed to be introduced but that more time was needed to take account of the ongoing Supreme Court case and investigation work in the Department of Justice.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/02/022207ireland.htm|title=Irish Parliament Rejects Gay Unions Bill|date=22 February 2007|publisher=365Gay|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621203842/http://365gay.com/Newscon07/02/022207ireland.htm|archive-date=21 June 2008 |access-date=7 October 2009}}</ref> The government amended the bill to delay debate for six months. As expected, the bill then fell when the Dáil was dissolved in the intervening period for the [[2007 Irish general election|2007 general election]]. Deputy Howlin said that the real reason for the delay was that the government did not want to enact this type of social legislation in the face of an election.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-3808.html|publisher = PinksNews.co.uk|title = Irish Govt accused on Civil Unions defeat|date = 27 February 2007|access-date = 27 February 2007|archive-date = 13 October 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081013142536/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-3808.html|url-status = live}}</ref>

Labour again brought their bill before the new house on 31 October 2007 but the government again voted the bill down. The [[Green Party (Ireland)|Green Party]], now in government also voted in opposition to the bill, with spokesperson [[Ciarán Cuffe]] arguing that the bill was unconstitutional but without giving a reasoning. The government committed itself to introducing its own bill for registered civil partnerships by 31 March 2008,<ref>{{cite news |first=Tony |last=Grew |title=Irish Government to introduce civil partnerships |date=1 November 2007 |publisher=[[PinkNews]] |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2007/11/01/irish-government-to-introduce-civil-partnerships/ |access-date=18 November 2007 |archive-date=20 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420050729/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2007/11/01/irish-government-to-introduce-civil-partnerships/ |url-status=live }}</ref> a date it would fail to meet.

====Government legislation====
{{Main|Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010}}
The Green Party entered government with [[Fianna Fáil]] in 2007, and a commitment to legislation introducing civil partnerships was agreed in the Programme for Government in June of that year. On 24 June 2008, the government announced the publication of a civil partnership bill.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irishelection.com/06/heads-of-civil-partnership-bill-published |title=Heads of Civil Partnership (Same-Sex Partnership) Bill Published |publisher=Irish Election |date=24 June 2008 |access-date=1 July 2010 |archive-date=28 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828031710/http://www.irishelection.com/06/heads-of-civil-partnership-bill-published/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |url=http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/General_Scheme_of_Civil_Partnership_Bill |title=The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform: General Scheme of Civil Partnership Bill |publisher=Justice.ie |date=25 July 2008 |access-date=1 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110083414/http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/General_Scheme_of_Civil_Partnership_Bill |archive-date=10 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In response to the legislation, Senator [[Jim Walsh (Irish politician)|Jim Walsh]] put forward a party motion to counter the bill.<ref name=autogenerated1 /><ref name="ffsenator"/> ''[[The Irish Times]]'' reported that around 30 unidentified [[backbencher]]s had signed the motion.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/how-gay-marriage-went-mainstream-1.536209|title=How gay marriage went mainstream|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |access-date=19 June 2016|archive-date=7 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807071905/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/how-gay-marriage-went-mainstream-1.536209|url-status=live}}</ref> One anonymous senator was quoted as claiming that the motion "would have considerable support from the more conservative sections of the parliamentary party".<ref name="ffsenator">{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ff-senator-leads-move-to-deny-gay-couples-right-to-register-1.1272409|title=FF Senator leads move to deny gay couples right to register|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |access-date=19 June 2016|archive-date=7 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807080658/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ff-senator-leads-move-to-deny-gay-couples-right-to-register-1.1272409|url-status=live}}</ref> Taoiseach [[Brian Cowen]] responded by insisting that the registration of same-sex couples would not interfere with the constitutional status of marriage. Cowen noted that the bill had been drawn up in close consultation with the [[Attorney General of Ireland|Attorney General]], [[Paul Gallagher (barrister)|Paul Gallagher]], and had been included in the Programme for Government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0627/marriage.html|publisher=[[RTÉ News]]|title=Taoiseach defends civil partnership plans|date=27 June 2008|access-date=2 July 2008|archive-date=13 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013084450/http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0627/marriage.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The motion was referred to the parliamentary party's justice committee on 1 July 2008. A Fianna Fáil spokesperson was quoted as saying that there was "broad support" within the party for the legislation, while the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, [[Dermot Ahern]], reaffirmed the constitutional compatibility of the law.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0702/civilunion.html|publisher=[[RTÉ News]]|title=FF refers civil partnership motion to committee|date=2 July 2008|access-date=2 July 2008|archive-date=13 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013084637/http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0702/civilunion.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The announcement was denounced as inadequate by the opposition Labour and [[Sinn Féin]] parties. Sinn Féin spokesperson [[Aengus Ó Snodaigh]] commented that "the government must do better".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.labour.ie/press/listing/1214486906176673.html |title=Press releases » Media centre » The Labour Party on Same Sex Marriage |publisher=Labour.ie |date=26 June 2008 |access-date=1 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611161454/http://www.labour.ie/press/listing/1214486906176673.html |archive-date=11 June 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/13050|title=Government must do better than Civil Partnership Bill|publisher=Sinn Féin|date=24 June 2008|access-date=7 October 2009|archive-date=24 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524190831/https://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/13050|url-status=live}}</ref>

The civil partnership bill was introduced on 26 June 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2009/44/|title=Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010|website=Houses of the Oireachtas|access-date=19 February 2020|archive-date=10 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510031506/https://www.oireachtas.ie/documents/bills28/bills/2009/4409/b4409d.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0627/1224249653836.html|title=Partnership rights in place for gay couples by end of year|last=McGee|first=Harry|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]|date=27 June 2009|access-date=7 October 2009|archive-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021134613/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0627/1224249653836.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Dermot Ahern, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, introduced the bill's [[Reading (legislature)|second stage]] on 3 December. He said that consequent modifications to the finance and social welfare provisions would come into effect once the bill was passed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2009-12-03/28/|title=Civil Partnership Bill 2009: Second Stage. – Dáil Éireann (30th Dáil) – Thursday, 3 December 2009|website=Houses of the Oireachtas|date=3 December 2009|access-date=19 February 2020|archive-date=19 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219205121/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2009-12-03/28/|url-status=live}}</ref> There was further second stage debate on the bill on 21 January 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0121/marriage.html |publisher=[[RTÉ News]] |title=Dáil debates Civil Partnership Bill |date=21 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025223938/http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0121/marriage.html |archive-date=25 October 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0121/breaking62.htm|title=Dáil debates civil unions Bill|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]|date=21 January 2010|access-date=25 January 2010|archive-date=28 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328180227/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/d%C3%A1il-debates-civil-unions-bill-1.852098|url-status=live}}</ref> The second stage finished on 27 January, and the committee stage of the bill was completed on 27 May.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0528/1224271297583.html |title=Partnership Bill includes five-year cohabitation rule |publisher=Irishtimes.com |date=28 May 2010 |access-date=1 July 2010 |archive-date=21 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021134648/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0528/1224271297583.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The bill was passed in the final stage by the Dáil without a vote on 1 July.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0701/breaking41.html |title=Dáil passes Civil Partnership Bill |publisher=Irishtimes.com |date=18 June 2010 |access-date=1 July 2010 |archive-date=4 September 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904074441/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0701/breaking41.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was passed in the final stage in the Seanad by a vote of 48–4 on 8 July, and was signed by [[President of Ireland|President]] [[Mary McAleese]] on 19 July.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 July 2010 |url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/civil-partnership-bill-passes-all-stages-464761.html |title=Civil Partnership Bill passes all stages |publisher=Breakingnews.ie |access-date=2 October 2012 |archive-date=9 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070657/https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/civil-partnership-bill-passes-all-stages-464761.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Minister Ahern said, "This is one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation to be enacted since independence. Its legislative advance has seen an unprecedented degree of unity and support within both Houses of the Oireachtas."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Ahern%20Welcomes%20Coming%20Into%20Law%20of%20Civil%20Partnership%20and%20Certain%20Rights%20and%20Obligations%20of%20Cohabitants%20Act%202010 |title=Ahern Welcomes Coming Into Law of Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 |work=Department of Justice and Law Reform |date=17 July 2010 |access-date=19 July 2010 |archive-date=19 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019070457/http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Ahern%20Welcomes%20Coming%20Into%20Law%20of%20Civil%20Partnership%20and%20Certain%20Rights%20and%20Obligations%20of%20Cohabitants%20Act%202010 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ 8 July 2010 vote in [[Seanad Éireann]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/vote/seanad/23/2010-07-08/1/?highlight%5B0%5D=civil&highlight%5B1%5D=partnership|title=Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages|date=8 July 2010|work=Oireachtas}}</ref>
|-
! style="width:30%;"| Party !! style="width:20%;"| Voted for !! style="width:20%;"| Voted against !! Absent (Did not vote)
|-
| {{Color box|{{party color|Fianna Fáil}}|'''[[Government of the 30th Dáil|<span style="color:white;">G</span>]]'''|border=silver}} [[Fianna Fáil]]
|style="background-color:#CCFFCC;" |{{collapsible list|title=22
|1=[[Martin Brady]]
|2=[[James Carroll (Louth politician)|James Carroll]]
|3=[[John Carty (Irish politician)|John Carty]]
|4=[[Donie Cassidy]]
|5=[[Maria Corrigan]]
|6=[[Mark Daly (politician)|Mark Daly]]
|7=[[John Ellis (Fianna Fáil politician)|John Ellis]]
|8=[[Geraldine Feeney]]
|9=[[Camillus Glynn]]
|10=[[Cecilia Keaveney]]
|11=[[Terry Leyden]]
|12=[[Marc MacSharry]]
|13=[[Lisa McDonald]]
|14=[[Paschal Mooney]]
|15=[[Brian Ó Domhnaill]]
|16=[[Francis O'Brien (Irish politician)|Francis O'Brien]]
|17=[[Denis O'Donovan]]
|18=[[Ned O'Sullivan]]
|19=[[Ann Ormonde]]
|20=[[Kieran Phelan]]
|21=[[Mary White (Fianna Fáil politician)|Mary White]]
|22=[[Diarmuid Wilson]]
}}
|{{collapsible list|title=3
|1=[[John Hanafin]]
|2=[[Labhrás Ó Murchú]]
|3=[[Jim Walsh (Irish politician)|Jim Walsh]]
}}
|{{collapsible list|title=2
|1=[[Larry Butler (Irish politician)|Larry Butler]]
|2=[[Ivor Callely]]
}}
|-
| {{Color box|{{party color|Fine Gael}}|border=silver}} [[Fine Gael]]
|style="background-color:#CCFFCC;" |{{collapsible list|title=12
|1=[[Paul Bradford]]
|2=[[Paddy Burke]]
|3=[[Jerry Buttimer]]
|4=[[Ciarán Cannon]]
|5=[[Paudie Coffey]]
|6=[[Maurice Cummins]]
|7=[[Frances Fitzgerald (politician)|Frances Fitzgerald]]
|8=[[Fidelma Healy Eames]]
|9=[[Nicky McFadden]]
|10=[[Joe O'Reilly]]
|11=[[Eugene Regan]]
|12=[[Liam Twomey]]
}}
| –
|{{collapsible list|title=3
|1=[[Paul Coghlan]]
|2=[[Paschal Donohoe]]
|3=[[John Paul Phelan]]
}}
|-
| {{Color box|{{party color|Labour Party (Ireland)}}|border=silver}} [[Labour Party (Ireland)|Labour Party]]
|style="background-color:#CCFFCC;" |{{collapsible list|title=5
|1=[[Ivana Bacik]]
|2=[[Dominic Hannigan]]
|3=[[Michael McCarthy (politician)|Michael McCarthy]]
|4=[[Brendan Ryan (Dublin politician)|Brendan Ryan]]
|5=[[Alex White (Irish politician)|Alex White]]
}}
| –
|{{collapsible list|title=1
|1=[[Phil Prendergast]]
}}
|-
| {{Color box|{{party color|Green Party (Ireland)}}|'''[[Government of the 30th Dáil|<span style="color:white;">G</span>]]'''|border=silver}} [[Green Party (Ireland)|Green Party]]
|style="background-color:#CCFFCC;" |{{collapsible list|title=3
|1=[[Dan Boyle (politician)|Dan Boyle]]
|2=[[Mark Dearey]]
|3=[[Niall Ó Brolcháin]]
}}
| –
| –
|-
| {{Color box|{{party color|Sinn Féin}}|border=silver}} [[Sinn Féin]]
|style="background-color:#CCFFCC;" |{{collapsible list|title=1
|1=[[Pearse Doherty]]
}}
| –
| –
|-
|{{color box|{{party color|Independent}}|border=silver}} [[Independent politician|Independent]]
|style="background-color:#CCFFCC;" |{{collapsible list|title=5
|1=[[David Norris (politician)|David Norris]]
|2=[[Fiona O'Malley]]
|3=[[Joe O'Toole]]
|4=[[Feargal Quinn]]
|5=[[Shane Ross]]
}}
|{{collapsible list|title=1
|1=[[Rónán Mullen]]
}}
|{{collapsible list|title=1
|1=[[Eoghan Harris]]
}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" | '''Total'''{{efn|Seanad Éireann has 59 voting members. The [[Cathaoirleach]], [[Pat Moylan (politician)|Pat Moylan]], votes only in case of a tied vote.}}
| {{Yes|'''48'''|align=center}}
| style="text-align:center;" | '''4'''
| style="text-align:center;" | '''7'''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | {{percentage|48|59|1}}
| style="text-align:center;" | {{percentage|4|59|1}}
| style="text-align:center;" | {{percentage|7|59|1}}
|}

The Minister for Justice signed a commencement order on 23 December 2010. The act came into force on 1 January 2011.<ref name="Partnership laws come into force">{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0101/breaking25.html |title=Partnership laws come into force |publisher=Irishtimes.com |date=1 January 2011 |access-date=2 October 2012 |archive-date=22 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022213340/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0101/breaking25.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The date of commencement of the act was dependent on further legislation in the areas of taxation and social welfare, which was enacted separately. The ''Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2010'' was passed by the Dáil on 14 December and the Seanad on 17 December 2010.<ref name="Ahern announces commencement of Civil Partnership and Cohabitants Act">{{cite web |url=http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Ahern%20announces%20commencement%20of%20Civil%20Partnership%20and%20Cohabitants%20Act |title=Ahern announces commencement of Civil Partnership and Cohabitants Act |publisher=Justice.ie |access-date=2 October 2012 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091254/http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Ahern |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2010/51/ |title=Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2010 |publisher=Oireachtas |access-date=2 October 2012 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034907/http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=16693&&CatID=59 |url-status=live }}</ref> Tax codes were amended in July 2011 under the ''Finance (No. 3) Act 2011'' to take account of civil partnerships. The act, in the main, is retrospective to 1 January 2011 and it created virtual parity, in taxation matters, between civil partners on the one hand and married people on the other hand.

===Recognition of foreign partnerships===
Certain foreign partnerships and same-sex marriages had been recognised as civil partnerships since 13 January 2011. While Glenn Cunningham and Adriano Vilar are often cited as the first same-sex couple to have their civil partnership formally recognised in Ireland, in fact several hundred couples were recognised together at the exactly the same time. The couple had formed a civil partnership at a ceremony in [[Northern Ireland]] in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0117/1224287680763.html |title=First gay couple to have civil partnership recognised |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |date=17 January 2011 |first=Carl |last=O'Brien |access-date=17 January 2011 |archive-date=22 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022235954/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0117/1224287680763.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Section 5 of the ''Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010'' stated the criteria used to govern which classes of relationships could be recognised. They were:<ref name="Act_sec5">{{cite web |url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2010/en/act/pub/0024/sec0005.html#sec5 |title=Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (S5) |publisher=Irishstatutebook.ie |access-date=2 October 2012 |archive-date=17 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817161404/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2010/en/act/pub/0024/sec0005.html#sec5 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*the relationship was exclusive in nature
*the relationship was permanent unless the parties dissolved it through the courts
*the relationship had been registered under the law of that jurisdiction
*the rights and obligations attendant on the relationship were, in the opinion of the Minister, sufficient to indicate that the relationship would be treated comparably to a civil partnership
The recognition was formally authorised by [[statutory instrument]]s, four of which were passed: in 2010, listing 33 relationship types in 27 jurisdictions;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2010/en/si/0649.html|title=S.I. No. 649/2010 – Civil Partnership (Recognition of Registered Foreign Relationships) Order 2010.|work=[[Irish Statute Book]]|access-date=19 December 2013|archive-date=17 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817180147/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2010/en/si/0649.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 
in 2011, adding 6 relationships;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2011/en/si/0642.html|title=S.I. No. 642/2011 – Civil Partnership (Recognition of Registered Foreign Relationships) Order 2011.|work=[[Irish Statute Book]]|access-date=19 December 2013|archive-date=29 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429000245/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2011/en/si/0642.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 
in 2012, adding 4;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2012/en/si/0505.html|title=S.I. No. 505/2012 – Civil Partnership (Recognition of Registered Foreign Relationships) Order 2012.|work=[[Irish Statute Book]]|access-date=19 December 2013|archive-date=29 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429000250/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2012/en/si/0505.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 
and in 2013, adding 14.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.attorneygeneral.ie/esi/SI490_2013.pdf |title=S.I. No. 490/2013 – Civil Partnership (Recognition of Registered Foreign Relationships) Order 2013. |date=10 December 2013 |publisher=Attorney General of Ireland |access-date=19 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219235951/http://www.attorneygeneral.ie/esi/SI490_2013.pdf |archive-date=19 December 2013 }}</ref> The French [[civil solidarity pact]] was not included, nor were some other legal relationships, for example, the [[Same-sex marriage in the Netherlands#Registered partnerships|Dutch registered partnership]] and some of the [[domestic partnerships in the United States]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/01/13/ireland-recognises-foreign-gay-marriage-and-partnerships/ |author=Geen, Jessica |title=Ireland recognises foreign gay marriage and partnerships |publisher=PinkNews |date=13 January 2011 |access-date=19 June 2016 |archive-date=20 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420033130/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/01/13/ireland-recognises-foreign-gay-marriage-and-partnerships/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The reason is that these kinds of relationships can be dissolved by agreement between the parties (that is by both parties signing a document with a lawyer), not through the courts.

===Statistics===
2,071 civil partnerships were registered in Ireland between 2011 and 2015; 536 in 2011,<ref name="2011 stats">{{cite web|url=http://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mcp/marriagesandcivilpartnerships2011/|title=Marriages and Civil Partnerships 2011 – CSO – Central Statistics Office|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=15 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115202345/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mcp/marriagesandcivilpartnerships2011/|url-status=live}}</ref> 429 in 2012,<ref name="2012 stats">{{cite web|url=http://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mcp/marriagesandcivilpartnerships2012/|title=Marriages and Civil Partnerships 2012 – CSO – Central Statistics Office|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=15 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115202318/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mcp/marriagesandcivilpartnerships2012/|url-status=live}}</ref> 338 in 2013,<ref name="2013 stats">{{cite web|url=http://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mcp/marriagesandcivilpartnerships2013/|title=Marriages and Civil Partnerships 2013 – CSO – Central Statistics Office|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=15 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115202249/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mcp/marriagesandcivilpartnerships2013/|url-status=live}}</ref> 392 in 2014,<ref name="2014 stats">{{cite web|url=http://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mcp/marriagesandcivilpartnerships2014/|title=Marriages and Civil Partnerships 2014 – CSO – Central Statistics Office|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=14 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114103604/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mcp/marriagesandcivilpartnerships2014/|url-status=live}}</ref> and 376 in 2015.<ref name="2015 stats">{{cite web|url=http://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mcp/marriagesandcivilpartnerships2015/|title=Marriages and Civil Partnerships 2015 – CSO – Central Statistics Office|access-date=16 April 2016|archive-date=27 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527143100/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mcp/marriagesandcivilpartnerships2015/|url-status=live}}</ref> Most partnerships were between two men (1,298), and a majority were performed in [[Leinster]], particularly in the [[Greater Dublin Area]].

===End of civil partnerships===
Following Ireland's [[Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland|legalisation of same-sex marriage]] in 2015, the ability to enter into a civil partnership was closed off. As of 16 November 2015, no further civil partnerships are granted in Ireland and existing civil partners only retain that status if they do not marry. Any civil partnership converted into a marriage is dissolved.<ref name="November"/>

==Same-sex marriage==
===Legal case===
{{main|Zappone v. Revenue Commissioners}}
In November 2004, [[Katherine Zappone]] and [[Ann Louise Gilligan]] were granted leave by the [[High Court (Ireland)|High Court of Ireland]] to pursue a claim to have their September 2003 [[Same-sex marriage in British Columbia|Vancouver marriage]] recognised for the filing of joint tax returns in Ireland.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/1109/gay.html|title=Launch of the Gilligan/Zappone tax case|publisher=RTÉ News|date=9 November 2004|access-date=1 March 2005|archive-date=16 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716192754/http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/1109/gay.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The case was heard in October 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1003/gay.html|title=Landmark case by lesbian couple under way|publisher=RTÉ News|date=3 October 2006|access-date=7 October 2009|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025220135/http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1003/gay.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The judgment was delivered in December 2006 and found that the [[Constitution of Ireland|Irish Constitution]] had always meant for marriage to be between "a man and a woman".<ref>{{cite BAILII |country=ie |litigants=Zappone & Anor v. Revenue Commissioners & Ors |court=IEHC  |division= |num=404 |para= |year=2006|date=14 December 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1214/gay.html|title=Lesbian couple lose marriage recognition case|publisher=RTÉ News|date=14 December 2006|access-date=15 December 2006|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025220144/http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1214/gay.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The case was appealed to the [[Supreme Court (Ireland)|Supreme Court]] in February 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0223/gay.html|title=Lesbian couple take case to Supreme Court|publisher=RTÉ News|date=23 February 2007|access-date=23 February 2007|archive-date=2 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102210540/http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0223/gay.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It came before the Supreme Court in 2012,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0509/1224315799791.html|title=Gay couple in Supreme Court over right to wed|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=9 May 2012|access-date=9 May 2012|archive-date=19 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719031352/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0509/1224315799791.html|url-status=live}}</ref> although returned to the High Court to challenge different elements of law, specifically the ''Civil Registration Act 2004'' and the ''Civil Partnership Act 2010''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marriagequality.ie/news/2012/06/06/fresh-marriage-equality-challenge-for-the-high-court/|title=Fresh Marriage Equality Challenge for High Court|work=Marriage Equality|date=6 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731105800/http://www.marriagequality.ie/news/2012/06/06/fresh-marriage-equality-challenge-for-the-high-court|archive-date=31 July 2013}}</ref>

===Preparation for the referendum===
The [[Government of the 31st Dáil|coalition government]], which took office in March 2011, convened a [[Constitutional Convention (Ireland)|Constitutional Convention]] to discuss proposed amendments to the Constitution of Ireland, including plans to introduce [[same-sex marriage]].<ref name="dail20110322">[http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2011/03/22/00005.asp Dáil debates Vol.728 No.3 p.5] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925061123/http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2011/03/22/00005.asp |date=25 September 2015 }} 22 March 2011</ref> On 10 July 2012, the [[Dáil Éireann|Dáil]] referred the issue of whether to make provision for same-sex marriage to the Constitutional Convention, to report back in a year. On 14 April 2013, the convention approved provisions allowing for same-sex marriage, to be discussed by the [[Oireachtas]] and be put to a public referendum.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0414/381286-constitutional-convention/ | publisher=RTÉ News | title=Constitutional Convention recommends referendum on same-sex marriage | date=14 April 2013 | access-date=14 April 2013 | archive-date=9 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070819/https://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0414/381286-constitutional-convention/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.constitution.ie/AttachmentDownload.ashx?mid=c90ab08b-ece2-e211-a5a0-005056a32ee4#page=6|title=Amending the Constitution to provide for same – sex marriage|date=June 2013|work=Third Report|publisher=Convention on the Constitution|page=6|access-date=8 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214211918/https://www.constitution.ie/AttachmentDownload.ashx?mid=c90ab08b-ece2-e211-a5a0-005056a32ee4#page=6|archive-date=14 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 2 July 2013, the Constitutional Convention delivered the formal report to the Oireachtas, which had four months to respond.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marriagequality.ie/news/2013/07/02/the-countdown-begins-constitutional-convention-lodges-report-on-marriage-equality-for-samesex-couples/|title=The Countdown begins: Constitutional Convention lodges report on Marriage Equality for same-sex couples|date=2 July 2013|publisher=Marriage Equality|access-date=15 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527224036/http://www.marriagequality.ie/news/2013/07/02/the-countdown-begins-constitutional-convention-lodges-report-on-marriage-equality-for-samesex-couples/|archive-date=27 May 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 5 November 2013, it was announced that a [[Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland|referendum to legalise same-sex marriage]] would be held in the first half of 2015.<ref name=RTE_20131105>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/1105/484662-same-sex-marriage/|title=Govt will 'actively support' same-sex marriage referendum in 2015|date=5 November 2013|publisher=RTÉ News|access-date=5 November 2013|archive-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420031814/https://www.rte.ie/news/2013/1105/484662-same-sex-marriage/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 July 2014, Taoiseach [[Enda Kenny]] announced that the same-sex marriage referendum would take place in spring 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0701/627828-same-sex-marriage-referendum/|title=Same-sex marriage referendum in spring 2015|date=1 July 2014|publisher=RTÉ News|access-date=1 July 2014|archive-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420051023/https://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0701/627828-same-sex-marriage-referendum/|url-status=live}}</ref> The referendum was held on 22 May 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1430730/ireland-sets-date-for-same-sex-marriage-vote%7CIreland|title=Ireland Sets Date For Same Sex Marriage Vote|access-date=28 October 2016|archive-date=28 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328180239/http://news.sky.com/story/1430730/ireland-sets-date-for-same-sex-marriage-vote%7CIreland|url-status=live}}</ref>

With the signing into law of the ''[[Children and Family Relationships Act 2015]]'' on 6 April 2015, same-sex couples have the ability to [[Second-parent adoption|adopt stepchildren]], as well as being able to obtain parental recognition in [[Artificial insemination|assisted reproduction methods]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/what-happens-next-to-the-children-and-family-relationships-bill-1.2159959|title=What happens next to the Children and Family Relationships Bill?|author=Mary Minihan|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=31 March 2015|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=9 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009041434/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/what-happens-next-to-the-children-and-family-relationships-bill-1.2159959|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://president.ie/index.php/en/the-president/2015-legislation.html|title=The President 2015 Legislation.html|first=Office of the President of|last=Ireland|website=president.ie|access-date=29 May 2020|archive-date=21 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721174652/https://president.ie/en/the-president/2015-legislation.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 18 January 2016, key provisions of the law (including spouses, stepparents, civil partners and cohabiting partners being able to apply to become guardians of a child or for custody) went into effect, following the signing of a commencement order by the Minister for Justice and Equality, [[Frances Fitzgerald (politician)|Frances Fitzgerald]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR16000018|title=Minister Fitzgerald signs order for commencement of landmark family law reform|date=18 January 2016|work=Department of Justice and Equality|access-date=1 April 2016|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090958/http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR16000018|url-status=live}}</ref> Portions of the act allowing for joint adoption, which never went into effect as no commencement order was signed, were repealed in 2017 after passage of the ''Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017'', which legalised joint adoption by married same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/isbc/2015_9.html|title=Irish Statute Book|access-date=19 June 2016|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327085904/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/isbc/2015_9.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==="Marriage Equality" referendum===
{{wikinews|Ireland legalises same-sex marriage}}
{{main|Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland}}
[[File:Irish amendment 34 gradient.svg|thumb|right|How the Irish electorate voted, by constituency:
{{Legend|#00b400|72.5%&ndash;75%}}
{{Legend|#00ce00|70%&ndash;72.49%}}
{{Legend|#00e800|67.5%&ndash;69.99%}}
{{Legend|#1dff1d|65%&ndash;67.49%}}
{{Legend|#37ff37|62.5%&ndash;64.99%}}
{{Legend|#51ff51|60%&ndash;62.49%}}
{{Legend|#69ff69|57.5%&ndash;59.99%}}
{{Legend|#83ff83|55%&ndash;57.49%}}
{{Legend|#9dff9d|52.5%&ndash;54.99%}}
{{Legend|#b6ffb6|50%&ndash;52.49%}}
{{Legend|#ffb6b6|48.58%}}]]

The amendment to the Constitution was moved on 21 January 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR15000009 |title=The Department of Justice and Equality: Government announces wording for Marriage Equality referendum |publisher=Justice.ie |date=2015-01-21 |access-date=2015-05-29 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090403/http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR15000009 |url-status=live }}</ref> The "Marriage Equality" referendum proposed to add the following text to Article 41 of the Constitution:<ref name="b515d">{{cite web|url=http://www.oireachtas.ie/documents/bills28/bills/2015/515/b515d.pdf#page=6|title=Bill as introduced|date=January 2015|work=Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015|publisher=Oireachtas|access-date=23 January 2015|archive-date=14 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514080754/http://www.oireachtas.ie/documents/bills28/bills/2015/515/b515d.pdf#page=6|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.''{{efn|{{langx|ga|Féadfaidh beirt, gan beann ar a ngnéas, conradh pósta a dhéanamh de réir dlí.}}}} In March 2015, the Department of Justice and Equality published the general scheme of a [[Marriage Act 2015|new marriage bill]]. The bill set out the changes to be made to legislation if the proposed amendment was approved. These changes included removing the legislative bar on same-sex couples marrying (though the wording of the amendment is self-executing and designed to invalidate it irrespective of legislative delay),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/same-sex-marriage-referendum-a-legal-review-1.2074579 |title=Same-sex marriage referendum: a legal review |publisher=Irishtimes.com |date=2015-05-25 |access-date=2015-05-29 |archive-date=20 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420104516/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/same-sex-marriage-referendum-a-legal-review-1.2074579 |url-status=live }}</ref> addressing the situation of civil partnerships, and updating terminology of existing legislation to reflect the new provision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/General%20Scheme%20of%20the%20Marriage%20Bill%202015.pdf/Files/General%20Scheme%20of%20the%20Marriage%20Bill%202015.pdf|title=DRAFT of GENERAL SCHEME OF MARRIAGE BILL 2015|access-date=8 April 2015|archive-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425035557/http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/General%20Scheme%20of%20the%20Marriage%20Bill%202015.pdf/Files/General%20Scheme%20of%20the%20Marriage%20Bill%202015.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/religious-solemnisers-will-not-be-obliged-to-perform-same-sex-marriage-1.2133530|title=Religious solemnisers will not be obliged to perform same-sex marriage|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |access-date=8 April 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031934/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/religious-solemnisers-will-not-be-obliged-to-perform-same-sex-marriage-1.2133530|url-status=live}}</ref>

The "Marriage Equality" referendum was held on 22 May 2015. With votes from all 43 constituencies counted, the 62.07% "Yes" vote assured the passage of the referendum.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/marriage-referendum/results |title=Referendum 2015 Results |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=23 May 2015 |access-date=23 May 2015 |archive-date=30 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530005435/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/marriage-referendum/results |url-status=live }}</ref> In the aftermath of the result, Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald stated that legislation would be brought through the Oireachtas by summer (i.e. sometime in June or July 2015) to make same-sex marriage a reality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/vote2015/2015/0523/703226-same-sex-marriage-referendum-yes-reaction/|title=Same-sex marriage legislation due this summer, says Fitzgerald|publisher=RTÉ|date=23 May 2015|access-date=24 May 2015|archive-date=23 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323125544/https://www.rte.ie/news/vote2015/2015/0523/703226-same-sex-marriage-referendum-yes-reaction/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, an unsuccessful legal challenge contesting the validity of the referendum delayed the legislation from going to [[Government of Ireland|government]] and the Oireachtas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-ireland-gaymarriage-idUKKCN0PA2PG20150630|title=Legislation enacting Irish gay marriage vote delayed|work=Reuters|date=30 June 2015|access-date=5 July 2021|archive-date=21 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721174653/https://www.reuters.com/?edition-redirect=uk|url-status=dead}}</ref> The referendum results were published in ''[[Iris Oifigiúil ]]'' on 26 May.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Ní Fhlanghaile|first=Ríona|date=26 May 2015|title=Referendum Act 1994: Constitutional Referendum|journal=[[Iris Oifigiúil]]|publisher=Stationery Office|location=Dublin|issue=42|pages=1067–69|url=http://www.irisoifigiuil.ie/currentissues/Ir260515.PDF#page=3|language=Irish, en|archive-date=26 May 2015|access-date=27 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526170930/http://www.irisoifigiuil.ie/currentissues/Ir260515.PDF#page=3|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Referendum
|title      = Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015
|no         =734,300
|nopct      = 37.93
|yes        = 1,201,607
|yespct     = 62.07
|valid      =1,935,907
|validpct   = 99.29
|invalid    = 13,818
|invalidpct = 0.71
|total      = 1,949,725
|turnoutpct = 60.52
|electorate = 3,221,681
}}

===Marriage Act 2015===
{{main|Marriage Act 2015}}
On 16 September 2015, following the High Court's rejection of the legal challenge contesting the validity of the referendum result,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/court-of-appeal-dismisses-two-challenges-against-same-sex-marriage-referendum-result-31416534.html |work=Irish Independent |title=Court of Appeal dismisses two challenges against Same Sex Marriage Referendum result |date=30 July 2015 |access-date=30 July 2015 |archive-date=1 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701032018/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/court-of-appeal-dismisses-two-challenges-against-same-sex-marriage-referendum-result-31416534.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Fitzgerald brought a same-sex marriage bill before cabinet. A spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Equality stated that "the aim is to have the bill enacted as quickly as possible, subject to the legislative process, so that the first same-sex marriages can take place this year."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34268733|title=Same-sex marriage: First Irish ceremonies expected within months|publisher=BBC|date=16 September 2015|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=26 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626064511/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34268733|url-status=live}}</ref> Under the legislation, the first same-sex marriages would be those of couples who convert a notification of their intention to register a civil partnership into a notification of their intention to marry. The bill passed all stages of the legislative process in the Oireachtas on 22 October 2015.<ref name="passed"/> On 29 October 2015, the bill was signed into law by the [[Presidential Commission (Ireland)|Presidential Commission]].<ref name="signature"/>

The ''Marriage Act 2015'' ({{langx|ga|An tAcht um Pósadh, 2015}},<ref name="irish"/> {{IPA|ga|ənˠ ˌt̪ˠaxt̪ˠ ʊmˠ ˈpˠoːsˠuː, -sˠə|pron}}) also provides for the recognition of same-sex marriages validly performed abroad: ''A marriage under the law of a place other than the State shall not be precluded from being recognised as a marriage by reason of the sex of the parties to the marriage.''{{efn|{{langx|ga|Ní choiscfear pósadh faoi dhlí áite seachas an Stát a aithint mar phósadh mar gheall ar ghnéas na bpáirtithe sa phósadh.}}<ref name="irish">{{cite web|url=https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/act/2015/35/gle/enacted/a3515i.pdf|title=An tAcht um Pósadh, 2015|language=ga|access-date=24 February 2025|work=Oireachtas|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124075604/https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/act/2015/35/gle/enacted/a3515i.pdf|archive-date=24 January 2022|date=2015}}</ref>}}

===Commencement===
Though most same-sex couples seeking to marry are required to give three months notice (as is the case for opposite-sex couples), same-sex couples already in a civil partnership were allowed to make use of a 5-day fast track provision in the legislation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/same-sex-civil-partners-to-be-able-to-wed-with-five-days-notice-1.2405712|title=Same-sex civil partners to be able to wed with five days' notice|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=26 October 2015|first=Carl|last=O'Brien|access-date=30 October 2015|archive-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420085049/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/same-sex-civil-partners-to-be-able-to-wed-with-five-days-notice-1.2405712|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 16 November 2015, same-sex couples who married abroad have their marriages recognised in Ireland.<ref name="November"/> The first marriage ceremonies of same-sex couples occurred the following day, on 17 November 2015.<ref name="weddings"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/same-sex-couple-ties-the-knot-in-donegal-1.2433246|title=Same-sex couple ties the knot in Donegal|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=17 November 2015|access-date=18 November 2015|archive-date=12 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412233844/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/same-sex-couple-ties-the-knot-in-donegal-1.2433246|url-status=live}}</ref> The first couple to marry in Ireland were Richard Dowling and Cormac Gollogly on Tuesday, 17 November in [[Clonmel]], [[County Tipperary]]. The couple said they "[were] really delighted to be able to do it and we are 12 years together so it was obviously the next move. Having a full marriage was important to us so now we can relax and get old together."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/ireland-s-first-same-sex-marriage-to-take-place-this-morning-1.2432424|title=Ireland's first same-sex marriage to take place this morning|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=17 November 2015|last=Ahlstrom|first=Dick|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123140344/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/ireland-s-first-same-sex-marriage-to-take-place-this-morning-1.2432424|archive-date=23 November 2015}}</ref>

In [[Irish language|Irish]], same-sex marriage is known as {{lang|ga|pósadh comhghnéis}} or more commonly as {{lang|ga|comhionannas pósta}} ({{IPA|ga|ˈkuːan̪ˠən̪ˠəsˠ ˈpˠoːsˠt̪ˠə, ˈpˠɔ-|pron}}, meaning "marriage equality"). The term "marriage equality" is widely used in public discourse and in Irish media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tuairisc.ie/an-tacht-posta-le-teacht-i-bhfeidhm-inniu-ach-ni-feidir-coip-den-phiosa-reachtaiochta-a-cheannach/|title=An tAcht Pósta le teacht i bhfeidhm inniu ach ní féidir cóip den phíosa reachtaíochta a cheannach|first=Maitiú|last=Ó Coimín|date=2015|language=ga|work=Tuairisc}}</ref>

===Subsequent changes===
On 5 May 2016, the [[Minister for Children, Disability and Equality|Minister for Children and Youth Affairs]], [[James Reilly (Irish politician)|James Reilly]], announced that the government had approved the publication of a new adoption bill.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dcya.gov.ie/documents/legislation/20160505AdoptionABill2016.pdf |title=An Bille Uchtála (Leasú), 2016; Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 |access-date=19 June 2016 |archive-date=17 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117051703/https://www.dcya.gov.ie/documents/legislation/20160505AdoptionABill2016.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The bill would amend the ''Adoption Act 2010'' and the ''Children and Family Relationships Act 2015'' and give legislative effect to the [[Thirty-first Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland]]. The purposes of the bill were to allow children to be adopted by their foster carers, where they have cared for the child for at least 18 months, and to allow two people regardless of marital status to adopt children, thus granting married same-sex couples the right to adopt. The bill would also allow for the adoption of a child by civil partners and cohabiting couples, and give children a greater say in the adoption process, among many other reforms to the adoption system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=3779 |title=Minister Reilly publishes Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 |publisher=Department of Children and Youth Affairs |date=5 May 2016 |access-date=19 June 2016 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327101419/https://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=3779 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://utv.ie/News/2016/05/06/Civil-partners-can-adopt-following-new-bill-58529 |title=Civil partners can adopt following new bill |publisher=UTV Ireland |date=6 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605055848/http://utv.ie/News/2016/05/06/Civil-partners-can-adopt-following-new-bill-58529 |archive-date=5 June 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/ireland-same-sex-couples-adoption/ |author=Chubb, Laura |title=New adoption bill published in Ireland gives same-sex couples right to adopt |publisher=Gay Star News |date=7 May 2016 |access-date=11 May 2016 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327122934/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/ireland-same-sex-couples-adoption/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The bill passed the Dáil on 30 November 2016,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2016-11-30a.477|title=Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016:...: 30 Nov 2016: Dáil debates (KildareStreet.com)|website=kildarestreet.com|access-date=19 April 2017|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091359/https://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2016-11-30a.477|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=31838&&CatID=59|title=Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 (Number 23 of 2016) – Tithe an Oireachtais|access-date=19 June 2016|archive-date=9 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509213917/http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=31838&&CatID=59|url-status=live}}</ref> and received approval by the Seanad on 13 June 2017. It was signed into law by President [[Michael D. Higgins]] on 19 July 2017, becoming the ''Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newstalk.com/news/adoption-reform-bill-is-signed-into-law-by-president-higgins-528046|title=Adoption reform bill is signed into law by President Higgins|website=Newstalk|access-date=29 May 2020|archive-date=8 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108025800/https://www.newstalk.com/Adoption-reform-bill-is-signed-into-law-by-President-Higgins|url-status=live}}</ref> The commencement order was signed by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, [[Katherine Zappone]], on 18 October 2017 and the law went into effect the following day.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/unmarried-gay-and-heterosexual-couples-can-now-adopt-a-child-36238410.html |title=Unmarried gay and heterosexual couples can now adopt a child |work=Irish Independent |date=18 October 2017 |access-date=21 October 2017 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102250/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/unmarried-gay-and-heterosexual-couples-can-now-adopt-a-child-36238410.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=4445 |title=Adoption amendments come into force on Thursday. Minister Zappone signs the Commencement Order for the Adoption (Amendment) Act 2017 |access-date=21 October 2017 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090002/https://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=4445 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In January 2019, the [[Minister for Social Protection|Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection]], [[Regina Doherty]], announced that the government had published a bill to amend the ''Civil Registration Act 2004''. This bill would allow lesbian couples who have had donor-assisted children to be automatically registered as the child's parents. Under the changes, parents could choose the labels "mother", "father" or "parent", enabling the non-biological mother to be legally registered as a co-parent. Previously, only the biological mother could be named on the child's [[birth certificate]]. The legislation passed the Daíl in March 2019, and the Seanad in May 2019, and was signed into law by President Higgins on 23 May 2019. It came into effect that same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.welfare.ie/en/pressoffice/Pages/pr110119.aspx|title=Minister Doherty to Introduce Civil Registration Bill 2019|publisher=Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection|date=11 January 2019|access-date=1 June 2019|archive-date=4 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104203004/http://www.welfare.ie/en/pressoffice/Pages/pr110119.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/birth-certs-to-have-both-female-same-sex-parents-named-4648104-May2019/|title=Both parents in some female same-sex relationships can now be named on a child's birth certificate|work=thejournal.ie|date=23 May 2019|access-date=1 June 2019|archive-date=9 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909204739/https://www.thejournal.ie/birth-certs-to-have-both-female-same-sex-parents-named-4648104-May2019/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Statistics===
91 same-sex marriages were performed between 16 November and 31 December 2015; 47 between two men and 44 between two women.<ref name="2015 stats"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/cso-figures-show-91-same-sex-marriages-since-referendum-1.2612107|title=CSO figures show 91 same-sex marriages since referendum|newspaper=The Irish Times|first=Kitty|last=Holland|date=15 April 2016|access-date=16 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416051947/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/cso-figures-show-91-same-sex-marriages-since-referendum-1.2612107|archive-date=16 April 2016}}</ref> Data published by the [[Department of Social Protection]] a few days ahead of the first anniversary of the "Marriage Equality" referendum showed that 412 same-sex marriages had been performed in Ireland since November 2015,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/only-one-irish-county-did-not-have-a-gay-marriage-since-vote-1.2654751 |title=Only one Irish county did not have a gay marriage since vote |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |date=20 May 2016 |access-date=22 May 2016 |archive-date=19 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619213001/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/only-one-irish-county-did-not-have-a-gay-marriage-since-vote-1.2654751 |url-status=live }}</ref> distributed by county as follows: [[County Dublin|Dublin]] (213), [[County Cork|Cork]] (43), [[County Limerick|Limerick]] (25), [[County Wicklow|Wicklow]] (17), [[County Galway|Galway]] (14), [[County Donegal|Donegal]] (11), [[County Kildare|Kildare]] (11) and [[County Wexford|Wexford]] (11), [[County Kerry|Kerry]] (9), [[County Louth|Louth]] (8), [[County Kilkenny|Kilkenny]] (7), [[County Offaly|Offaly]] (6), [[County Meath|Meath]] (5) and [[County Waterford|Waterford]] (5), [[County Cavan|Cavan]] (4), [[County Sligo|Sligo]] (4) and [[County Tipperary|Tipperary]] (4), [[County Laois|Laois]] (3) and [[County Mayo|Mayo]] (3), [[County Longford|Longford]] (2), [[County Roscommon|Roscommon]] (2) and [[County Westmeath|Westmeath]] (2), [[County Carlow|Carlow]] (1), [[County Leitrim|Leitrim]] (1) and [[County Monaghan|Monaghan]] (1), and [[County Clare|Clare]] (0). 1,082 same-sex couples married in Ireland in the one year following the law's entry into force, averaging 21 same-sex weddings a week. 450 of these marriages were performed in Dublin, 93 in Cork, 56 in Wicklow and 48 in Kildare. The counties with the fewest same-sex marriages were Longford at two, followed by three in Roscommon and five in Leitrim.<ref>[http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/figures-show-over-1000-same-9432536 Figures show over a thousand same-sex marriages have occurred a year after same-sex marriage was legalised] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712112321/http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/figures-show-over-1000-same-9432536 |date=12 July 2017 }} Irish Mirror</ref>

1,056 same-sex marriages were performed in 2016, the first full year in which same-sex couples could marry; 606 were male unions and 450 were female unions.<ref name="2016 stats">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mcp/marriagesandcivilpartnerships2016/|title=Marriages and Civil Partnerships 2016 – CSO – Central Statistics Office|website=cso.ie|access-date=29 May 2020|archive-date=5 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505020600/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mcp/marriagesandcivilpartnerships2016/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/same-sex-couples-account-for-one-in-20-irish-marriages-1.3047678|title=Same-sex couples account for one in 20 Irish marriages|first=Sarah|last=Burns|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=29 May 2020|archive-date=9 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009171258/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/same-sex-couples-account-for-one-in-20-irish-marriages-1.3047678|url-status=live}}</ref> 5,956 same-sex marriages had been performed in Ireland by the end of 2024. Figures for 2020 are much lower than previous years because of the restrictions in place due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland|COVID-19 pandemic]].

{| class="wikitable"
|+Number of marriages performed in Ireland
! rowspan=2| Year 
! colspan=3| Same-sex marriages
! rowspan=2| Opposite-sex<br/> marriages
! rowspan=2| Total<br/> marriages
! rowspan=2| %<br/> same-sex
|-
! Female 
! Male 
! Total
|-
! 2015<ref name="2015 stats"/>
| 44 || 47 || 91 || 21,934|| 22,025 || 0.41%
|-
! 2016<ref name="2016 stats"/>
| 450 || 606 || 1,056 || 20,514|| 21,570 || 4.90%
|-
! 2017<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mar/marriages2017/|title=Marriages 2017 – CSO – Central Statistics Office|website=cso.ie|access-date=29 May 2020|archive-date=27 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527143100/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mar/marriages2017/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 335 || 424 || 759 || 20,503|| 21,262 || 3.57%
|-
! 2018<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mar/marriages2018/|title=Marriages 2018 – CSO – Central Statistics Office|website=cso.ie|access-date=29 May 2020|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416150035/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mar/marriages2018/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 292 || 372 || 664 || 19,725|| 20,389 || 3.26%
|-
! 2019<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mar/marriages2019/|title=Marriages 2019 – CSO – Central Statistics Office|website=cso.ie|access-date=28 April 2020|archive-date=8 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508233056/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/mar/marriages2019/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 287 || 353 || 640 || 19,033|| 19,673 || 3.25%
|-
! 2020<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mar/marriages2020/|title=Marriages 2020|work=Central Statistics Office|accessdate=9 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825185517/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mar/marriages2020/ |archive-date=25 August 2023}}</ref>
| 144 || 170 || 314 || 9,209|| 9,523 || 3.30%
|-
!2021<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mar/marriages2021/marriages2021mainresults/|title=Marriages 2021|work=Central Statistics Office|accessdate=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122005623/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mar/marriages2021/marriages2021mainresults/|archive-date=22 January 2022}}</ref>
|248||252||500||16,717||17,217||2.90%
|-
!2022<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mar/marriages2022/|title=Marriages 2022|work=Central Statistics Office|accessdate=13 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531035558/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mar/marriages2022/|archive-date=31 May 2023}}</ref>
|313||305||618||22,555||23,173||2.67%
|-
!2023<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mar/marriages2023/|title=Marriages 2023|work=Central Statistics Office|access-date=22 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518081440/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mar/marriages2023/|archive-date=18 May 2024}}</ref>
|322||324||646||20,513||21,159||3.05%
|-
!2024<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mar/marriages2024/|title=Marriages 2024|work=Central Statistics Office|access-date=2 June 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425100512/https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mar/marriages2024/|archive-date=25 April 2025}}</ref>
|343||325||668||19,680||20,348||3.28%
|}

===Religious performance===
Most [[religious denomination]]s in Ireland do not support same-sex marriage and do not allow their clergy to [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|bless]] or officiate at marriages of same-sex couples. The [[Ireland Yearly Meeting|Quakers]] are the only mainstream church in Ireland that performs same-sex marriages. In 2018, a motion supporting and allowing such marriages in their [[meeting house]]s was passed at an annual yearly meeting held in [[Limerick]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://quakersireland.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/ym-2018-report.pdf|title=Yearly Meeting Report 2018|date=19 July 2018|website=Ireland Yearly Meeting|access-date=28 January 2024|archive-date=22 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922200011/https://quakersireland.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/ym-2018-report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/irish-quakers-to-host-gay-weddings-37143112.html|title=Irish Quakers to host gay weddings|work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk|access-date=2019-09-22|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=22 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922200012/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/irish-quakers-to-host-gay-weddings-37143112.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Catholic Church in Ireland|Catholic Church]] opposes same-sex marriage and does not allow its priests to officiate at such marriages. In December 2023, the [[Holy See]] published ''[[Fiducia supplicans]]'', a declaration allowing [[Priesthood in the Catholic Church|Catholic priests]] to [[Blessing in the Catholic Church|bless]] couples who are not considered to be [[Marriage in the Catholic Church|married according to church teaching]], including the blessing of same-sex couples.<ref name="Flynn">{{Cite web |last=Flynn |first=JD |date=2023-12-22 |title=Is the 'false narrative' narrative a false narrative? |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/is-the-false-narrative-narrative |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=[[The Pillar]] |language=en|archive-date=23 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223121603/https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/is-the-false-narrative-narrative |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Primacy of Ireland|Primate of All Ireland]] and [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Armagh|Archbishop of Armagh]] [[Eamon Martin]] said, "At a practical level as a priest, I welcome the clarity in this document. The pope is very clear that these pastoral blessings are not a kind of a liturgical or ritual acknowledgment that these unions are equivalent or in any way analogous to the marriage between a man or a woman. At the same time, it shows that the issues and the hurts experienced by people identifying as LGBT+ have certainly been heard very loudly within the church. I do hope that people who may have felt excluded in the past, will see this as some step towards them with the love and mercy of Christ." [[Bishop of Waterford and Lismore]] [[Alphonsus Cullinan]] also welcomed the declaration, "This document is a valuable gift since it focuses on the beauty of blessings flowing from the heart of God and is particularly welcome before Christmas when we celebrate the greatest blessing on our world – Christ Our Saviour – who is born among us. He is the One to whom we turn for spiritual health and goodness and the fulness of life."<ref name="Flynn"/> [[Archbishop of Dublin (Catholic Church)|Archbishop of Dublin]] [[Dermot Farrell]] issued a statement on 8 January 2024 that "couples in so-called irregular unions, including same sex couples, cannot be refused a blessing by a Catholic priest".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/01/08/same-sex-couples-cannnot-be-denied-a-blessing-says-catholic-archbishop-of-dublin/|title=Same sex couples cannnot be denied a blessing, says Catholic Archbishop of Dublin|work=The Irish Times|date=8 January 2024|first=Patsy|last=McGarry}}</ref>

The [[Presbyterian Church in Ireland]] subscribes to the [[Westminster Confession of Faith]] which affirms that marriage "is to be between one man and one woman: neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband, at the same time".<ref>{{cite web|title=Of Marriage and Divorce|url=http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/|website=Westminster Confession of Faith|publisher=Westminster Assembly|access-date=11 June 2016|location=London|date=1646|archive-date=29 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629153046/http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland]] also subscribes to the Westminster Confession of Faith and its definition of marriage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Doctrinal Position|url=http://www.rpc.org/beliefs/|website=Beliefs|publisher=Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland|access-date=11 June 2016|archive-date=19 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019144036/http://www.rpc.org/beliefs/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Beliefs|url=http://www.epcni.org.uk/About%20Us/Beliefs/index.html|website=Beliefs|publisher=Evangelical Presbyterian Church|access-date=28 January 2024|archive-date=19 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019073318/http://www.epcni.org.uk/About|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Methodist Church in Ireland]] states that marriage is "a relationship, intended as permanent, between one man and one woman" in its "Practical Expressions of Methodist Belief" document. The church opposes "all debased forms of sexuality and sexual practice, whether heterosexual or homosexual" but asks for "understanding and tolerance for those whose sexual orientation is towards those of their own gender" and encourages the wider church "to give a greater lead in the education of society, including Christians, regarding this issue, so that ignorance, prejudice and fear may disappear".<ref>{{cite web|title=E.4 Marriage, sexual relationships and sexuality|url=http://irishmethodist.org/sites/default/files/pdf/news/practical_expressions_of_methodist_belief.pdf|website=Practical Expressions of Methodist Belief|publisher=Methodist Church in Ireland|access-date=11 June 2016|location=Belfast|archive-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913115822/http://www.irishmethodist.org/sites/default/files/pdf/news/practical_expressions_of_methodist_belief.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland]] affirms "the creation ordinance of marriage as the lifelong union of one man and one woman" in its Doctrinal Statement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Doctrinal Statement|url=http://www.irishbaptist.org/about/what-we-believe/|website=What We Believe|publisher=Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland|access-date=11 June 2016|location=Belfast|date=2016|archive-date=28 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171829/https://www.irishbaptist.org/about/what-we-believe/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Church of Ireland]] affirms in its canon law that "according to our Lord's teaching that marriage is in its purpose a union permanent and life-long, for better or worse, till death do them part, of one man with one woman, to the exclusion of all others on either side".<ref>{{cite web|title=Preparing for Marriage|url=https://www.ireland.anglican.org/our-faith/how-do-i-/marriage/preparing-for-marriage|website=Church of Ireland|archive-date=22 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922084029/https://www.ireland.anglican.org/our-faith/how-do-i-/marriage/preparing-for-marriage|access-date=11 October 2022}}</ref> In 2012, the General Synod of the Church of Ireland reaffirmed this teaching in a motion on "Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief". The motion added that the church "recognises for itself and of itself, no other understanding of marriage" and acknowledged that members of the church "have at times hurt and wounded people by words and actions, in relation to human sexuality". The church affirmed a "continuing commitment to love our neighbour, and opposition to all unbiblical and uncharitable actions and attitudes in respect of human sexuality from whatever perspective, including bigotry, hurtful words or actions, and demeaning or damaging language".<ref>{{cite web|title=Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief|url=http://ireland.anglican.org/cmsfiles/pdf/Synod/2012/MotionHSinContext-ofCB.pdf|website=Book of Reports, General Synod 2012|publisher=Church of Ireland|access-date=11 June 2016|location=Dublin|date=2012|archive-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226161022/http://ireland.anglican.org/cmsfiles/pdf/Synod/2012/MotionHSinContext-ofCB.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2023, the [[synod]] of the [[Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough]] passed a motion calling on the Church of Ireland to permit same-sex blessings. The dioceses of [[Diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe|Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe]] and [[Diocese of Cashel and Ossory|Cashel and Ossory]] approved similar resolutions a few weeks later.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://anglican.ink/2023/11/06/two-dioceses-back-call-for-same-sex-marriage-rites-for-the-church-of-ireland/|title=Two dioceses back call for same-sex marriage rites for the Church of Ireland|work=Anglican Ink|first=George|last=Conger|date=6 November 2023|access-date=27 April 2024|archive-date=15 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115064207/https://anglican.ink/2023/11/06/two-dioceses-back-call-for-same-sex-marriage-rites-for-the-church-of-ireland/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Third Irish diocese asks general synod to permit same-sex blessings|url=https://anglican.ink/2023/11/27/third-irish-diocese-asks-general-synod-to-permit-same-sex-blessings/|work=Anglican Ink|date=28 November 2023|archive-date=28 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128211457/https://anglican.ink/2023/11/27/third-irish-diocese-asks-general-synod-to-permit-same-sex-blessings/|url-status=live }}</ref>

==Public debate==
[[File:Poster Campaign For The Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015- REF-103872 (17185292449).jpg|thumb|[[Fianna Fáil]] poster in support of the Thirty-fourth Amendment]]
[[File:DUBLIN 2015 LGBTQ PRIDE PARADE (WERE YOU THERE) REF-106096 (18591117223).jpg|thumb|right|Participants at [[Dublin Pride]] celebrating the success of the "Yes" campaign, June 2015]]

===Campaigns===
Following the decriminalisation of [[buggery]] in 1993, [[LGBT rights in the Republic of Ireland|LGBT rights]] was not a high-profile issue in Ireland. From 2001 however, Irish media increasingly covered international developments on the recognition of same-sex partnerships.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2001/0401/gaymarriage.html|publisher = [[RTÉ News]]|title = Introduction of gay marriage in the Netherlands|date = 1 April 2001|access-date = 13 May 2006|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025215757/http://www.rte.ie/news/2001/0401/gaymarriage.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2003/0731/57live.html |publisher=RTÉ News |title=FiveSevenLive – Vatican Condemns same sex unions |date=31 July 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050913083041/http://www.rte.ie/news/2003/0731/57live.html |archive-date=13 September 2005 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0517/gay.html|publisher = RTÉ News|title = Massachusetts sanctions gay marriage|date = 17 May 2005|access-date = 13 May 2006|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025215811/http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0517/gay.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/0629/canada.html|publisher = RTÉ News|title = Legalisation of gay marriage in Canada|date = 29 June 2005|access-date = 13 May 2006|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025215822/http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/0629/canada.html|url-status = live}}</ref> This has included coverage of reports on the issue, legal cases taken by Irish same-sex couples, [[Surrogacy|surrogate parenthood]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2001/08/07/story9692.asp |publisher=Irish Examiner |title=Surrogate Parenthood |date=7 August 2001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050515005536/http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2001/08/07/story9692.asp |archive-date=15 May 2005 }}</ref> [[adoption]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2002/0624/qanda.html |publisher=RTÉ TV – Question and Answers |title=Gay Adoption |date=24 June 2002 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021022104222/http://www.rte.ie/news/2002/0624/qanda.html |archive-date=22 October 2002 }}</ref> extra-legal same-sex unions, blessings and the foreign partnerships of Irish politicians.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2004/05/14/story703224874.asp |publisher=Irish Examiner |title=Irish politicians – Partnerships |date=14 May 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026104120/http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2004/05/14/story703224874.asp |archive-date=26 October 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/0203/paisleyi.html|publisher = RTÉ News|title = Paisley censured for homophobic remarks|date = 3 February 2005|access-date = 13 May 2006|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025215842/http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/0203/paisleyi.html|url-status = live}}</ref> There was extensive coverage of the 2005 introduction of civil partnerships by the [[Government of the United Kingdom|British Government]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2005/12/20/story176854620.asp |publisher=Irish Examiner |title=Introduction of Civil Partnerships in the United Kingdom |date=20 December 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026104136/http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2005/12/20/story176854620.asp |archive-date=26 October 2008 }}</ref> which applies to Northern Ireland.

Irish legislators began to comment publicly from 2003,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2003/0807/primetime.html |publisher=RTÉ TV – Prime Time |title=Debate on gay marriage |date=7 August 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011012222/http://www.rte.ie/news/2003/0807/primetime.html |archive-date=11 October 2010 }}</ref> some tentatively suggesting legislation, and some referring to [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] teachings.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2003/0801/morningireland.html |publisher=RTÉ News – Morning Ireland |title=Discussion on gay marriage |date=1 August 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024093146/http://www.rte.ie/news/2003/0801/morningireland.html |archive-date=24 October 2008 }}</ref> Among the general public, reaction was favourable, with a 2005 online poll showing most respondents seeing some recognition as inevitable and acceptable.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/comments/gaymarriages.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041205001956/http://www.rte.ie/comments/gaymarriages.html|url-status=dead|title=Should gay marriages be recognised in Ireland?|website=[[RTÉ.ie]] |archive-date=5 December 2004}}</ref> More rigorous public polls taken during 2006 showed an increasing majority of the population, up to 80%,<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.irishexaminer.com/pport/web/opinion/Full_Story/did-sguKAKsVNSoOEsgDQQ5wn3uAIg.asp
|publisher = [[Irish Examiner]]
|title = Report on national survey on same-sex partnerships
|date = 21 February 2006
|access-date = 22 February 2006
|archive-date = 3 March 2016
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223657/http://www.irishexaminer.com/pport/web/opinion/Full_Story/did-sguKAKsVNSoOEsgDQQ5wn3uAIg.asp
|url-status = live
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1021/gaymarriage.html|publisher = [[RTÉ News]]|title = Sunday Tribune poll on same-sex partnerships|date = 21 October 2006|access-date = 21 October 2006|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025215926/http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1021/gaymarriage.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://breakingnews.ie/ireland/?jp=CWIDGBEYCWOJ|publisher = BreakingNews.ie|title = 80% believe gay couples deserved legal recognition – Survey|date = 24 November 2006|access-date = 29 November 2006|archive-date = 27 February 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120227195855/http://breakingnews.ie/ireland/?jp=CWIDGBEYCWOJ|url-status = live}}</ref> supporting the introduction of some partnership rights for same-sex couples, with a slim majority favouring marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/584|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201043015/https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/584|title=Standard Eurobarometer 66 - Autumn 2006|archive-date=February 1, 2023|work=europa.eu}}</ref> The numbers in favour of [[Same-sex adoption|adoption by same-sex couples]] were lower but less clear.

Some public and religious figures, including bishops in the [[Catholic Church in Ireland|Catholic Church]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/1116/morningireland.html |publisher=RTÉ News |title=Catholic Bishop on gay partnerships |date=16 November 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025215954/http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/1116/morningireland.html |archive-date=25 October 2012 }}</ref> and in the [[Church of Ireland]] also proposed legal recognition in 2004, but in a form different from marriage.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0310/homosexual.html|publisher = RTÉ News|title = Church of Ireland Bishop on gay partnerships|date = 10 March 2004|access-date = 13 May 2006|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025220029/http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0310/homosexual.html|url-status = live}}</ref> Existing and new gay organisations such as the [[Gay and Lesbian Equality Network]], ''GLUE'' magazine and LGBT Noise began specifically campaigning for recognition in 2006.

At the [[2002 Irish general election|2002 general election]], only the manifestos of the [[Green Party (Ireland)|Green Party]] and the [[Labour Party (Ireland)|Labour Party]] explicitly referred to the rights of same-sex couples,<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.labour.ie/download/pdf/manifesto_election_2002.pdf|publisher = [[Labour Party (Ireland)]]|title = Labour Party (Ireland) 2002 general election Manifesto|year = 2002|access-date = 9 March 2012|archive-date = 15 March 2006|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060315125053/http://www.labour.ie/download/pdf/manifesto_election_2002.pdf|url-status = live}}</ref> but from 2004 all political parties, including the [[Government of the 29th Dáil|Fianna Fáil/Progressive Democrat government]], produced policies or made statements in favour of varying forms of recognition.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0624/gay.html|publisher = RTÉ News|title = Fine Gael Same-sex partnership proposal|date = 24 June 2004|access-date = 7 March 2006|archive-date = 25 October 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025220049/http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0624/gay.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4012713.stm|publisher = BBC News|title = Taoisearch Ahern on Better Rights for Couples|date = 15 November 2004|access-date = 1 March 2005|archive-date = 25 October 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181025033027/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4012713.stm|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>[[Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration|Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform]] [[Michael McDowell (politician)|Michael McDowell]] of the [[Progressive Democrats]] said in 2004 that Ireland should pursue civil partnerships.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2006/1214/breaking46.htm|newspaper = [[The Irish Times]]|title = Labour launches civil union Bill|date = 14 December 2006|access-date = 7 March 2009|archive-date = 1 March 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200301224800/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2006/1214/breaking46.htm|url-status = live}}</ref> In 2004, [[Fine Gael]] was the first party to launch an explicit policy document supporting civil partnerships. In the run-up to the [[2007 Irish general election|2007 general election]], the manifestos of all parties supported civil unions for same-sex couples, with [[Sinn Féin]] and the Green Party supporting civil marriage.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.greenparty.ie/en/policies/marriage_and_partnership_rights |publisher=Green Party |title=Green Party policy on partnership rights and gay marriage |date=12 October 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070106120037/http://www.greenparty.ie/en/policies/marriage_and_partnership_rights |archive-date=6 January 2007 }}</ref> All parties ran advertisements in the ''[[Gay Community News (Dublin)|Gay Community News]]'' with commitments to same-sex couples. In 2012, Sinn Féin sought to provide opportunities to bring same-sex marriage to the fore by introducing motions of support at the city and county council level.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/politics/cork-city-council-unanimously-backs-gay-marriage-in-landmark-vote-200236.html|publisher = Irish Examiner|title = Cork City Council unanimously backs gay marriage in landmark vote|date = 10 July 2012|access-date = 27 May 2015|archive-date = 9 November 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070743/https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/politics/cork-city-council-unanimously-backs-gay-marriage-in-landmark-vote-200236.html|url-status = live}}</ref> By November 2013, all parties in the Dáil supported same-sex marriage: the Labour Party,<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.labour.ie/press/listing/1241688554881714.html |title=Labour's goal is full equality for gay citizens, Gilmore tells symposium |date=7 May 2009 |publisher=Labour Party |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100916044349/http://www.labour.ie/press/listing/1241688554881714.html |archive-date=16 September 2010 }}</ref> the Green Party,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greenparty.ie/en/policies/marriage_and_partnership_rights/marriage/1_2_providing_for_same_sex_marriage |title=Providing for Same-Sex Marriage |publisher=Green Party |access-date=3 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121110612/http://www.greenparty.ie/en/policies/marriage_and_partnership_rights/marriage/1_2_providing_for_same_sex_marriage |archive-date=21 January 2010 }}</ref> the [[Socialist Party (Ireland)|Socialist Party]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://socialistparty.ie/2009/06/pride-09-full-same-sex-marriage-rights-now/ |title=Pride 09 – Full Same Sex Marriage Rights Now! |date=30 June 2009 |publisher=Socialist Party |access-date=31 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523084311/https://socialistparty.ie/2009/06/pride-09-full-same-sex-marriage-rights-now/ |archive-date=23 May 2015}}</ref> Sinn Féin,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/1901|title=Recognition of same sex marriage long overdue|publisher=Sinn Féin|date=31 March 2004|access-date=22 January 2010|archive-date=24 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524174114/https://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/1901|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Fianna Fáil]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/ff-delegates-back-equal-marriage-and-adoption-rights-for-same-sex-couples-542112.html|title=FF delegates back equal marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=3 March 2012|access-date=4 March 2012|archive-date=8 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808050354/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/ff-delegates-back-equal-marriage-and-adoption-rights-for-same-sex-couples-542112.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.98fm.com/2012/category-news-sport/fianna-fail-passes-motion-on-same-sex-marriage/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721180351/http://www.98fm.com/2012/category-news-sport/fianna-fail-passes-motion-on-same-sex-marriage/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 July 2012 |title=Fianna Fail Passes Motion on Same Sex Marriage |publisher=98fm.com |date=28 September 2012 |access-date=2 October 2012 }}</ref> and Fine Gael.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sheahan|first=Fionnan|title=Government to call for Yes vote for gay marriage|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/government-to-call-for-yes-vote-for-gay-marriage-29728937.html|access-date=6 November 2013|newspaper=[[Irish Independent]]|date=5 November 2013|archive-date=24 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524212114/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/government-to-call-for-yes-vote-for-gay-marriage-29728937.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Polling===
A survey carried out in 2008 showed that 84% of [[Irish people]] supported civil marriage or civil partnerships for same-sex couples, with 58% (up from 51%) supporting full marriage rights in registry offices. The number who believed same-sex couples should only be allowed to have civil partnerships fell in the same period, from 33% to 26%.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/mhojojeyauid/|publisher = BreakingNews.ie|title = Increased support for gay marriage – Survey|date = 31 March 2008|access-date = 31 March 2008|archive-date = 18 October 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141018211155/http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/mhojojeyauid/|url-status = live}}</ref> A public survey in October 2008 revealed that 62% of adults would vote "yes" in a referendum to extend civil marriage to same-sex couples. A breakdown of the results showed that support was strongest among younger people and in urban areas. Women were more supportive at 68% compared to 56% of men. There was slightly less support for same-sex couples being given the right to adopt. A total of 58% of those under 50 believed same-sex couples should be able to adopt, falling to 33% among the over-50s. A total of 54% believed the definition of the family unit in the Irish Constitution should be changed to include same-sex families.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0227/1224241892986.html |title=''Same-sex marriage gets poll support'' |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=27 February 2009 |access-date=1 July 2010 |archive-date=21 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021134519/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0227/1224241892986.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

A survey commissioned by MarriagEquality in February 2009 indicated that 62% of Irish people supported same-sex marriage and would vote in favour of it if a referendum were held.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/02/26/irish-gay-marriage-advocates-claim-massive-public-support/|title=Irish gay marriage advocates claim massive public support|publisher=PinkNews|date=26 February 2009|access-date=7 October 2009|archive-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420032352/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/02/26/irish-gay-marriage-advocates-claim-massive-public-support/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2010, a survey by ''[[The Irish Times]]''/Behaviour Attitudes of 1,006 people showed that 67% of respondents felt same-sex couples should be allowed to marry. This majority extended across all age groups, with the exception of the over-65s, and 66% of Catholics were in favour of same-sex marriage. Only 25% disagreed that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, opposition that was concentrated among older people and those in rural areas. In terms of same-sex adoption, 46% were in support and 38% opposed; however, a majority of women, 18–44-year-olds, and urban dwellers supported the idea. The survey also showed that 91% of people would not think less of someone who [[Coming out|came out]] as homosexual, while 60% felt the recent civil partnership legislation was not an attack on marriage.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0915/1224278896417.html |title=Yes to gay marriage and premarital sex: a nation strips off its conservative values |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=15 September 2010 |date=9 September 2010 |archive-date=22 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022022358/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0915/1224278896417.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

A poll in March 2011 conducted by ''[[The Sunday Times]]''/[[RED C]] showed that 73% of people supported allowing same-sex marriage, with 53% "agreeing strongly" with the idea, and 60% felt that same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thejournal.ie/nearly-three-quarters-of-irish-people-in-favour-of-gay-marriage-2011-03/ |title=Nearly three-quarters of Irish people in favour of gay marriage |publisher=TheJournal.ie |date=6 March 2011 |access-date=2 October 2012 |archive-date=9 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109070714/https://www.thejournal.ie/nearly-three-quarters-of-irish-people-in-favour-of-gay-marriage-2011-03/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A poll in January 2012 conducted by RED C for the [[Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation|Department of Public Expenditure and Reform]] showed that 73% of voters supported the idea of same-sex marriages being recognised in the Irish Constitution,<ref name="pinknews20120223">{{cite news|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/02/23/poll-finds-irish-support-for-gay-marriage-at-73/|title=Poll finds Irish support for gay marriage at 73%|date=23 February 2012|publisher=PinkNews|access-date=3 July 2012|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327145938/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/02/23/poll-finds-irish-support-for-gay-marriage-at-73/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |url=http://per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/OIReferendum-Report-Final-2003-corrected.pdf |title=Report on Reasons Behind Voter Behaviour in the Oireachtas Inquiry Referendum 2011 |date=January 2012 |access-date=2 October 2012 |archive-date=9 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109025042/https://per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/OIReferendum-Report-Final-2003-corrected.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> and a late 2012 poll by Millward Brown Lansdowne showed that 75% of respondents would vote in favour of extending marriage to same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/75-support-same-sex-marriage-poll-1.1072147|title=75% support same-sex marriage: poll|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=28 January 2013|access-date=24 June 2013|archive-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702092125/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/75-support-same-sex-marriage-poll-1.1072147|url-status=live}}</ref>

A poll in November 2013 by RED C for [[Paddy Power]] showed that 76% of voters intended to support the introduction of same-sex marriage in any referendum, with 18% opposed and 6% undecided (with the undecideds excluded, the ratio was 81% support and 19% against). Support was highest among women (85%), those under 44 (87%), Labour supporters (96%) and those living in [[Dublin]] and commuter counties (83%).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Paddy-Power-Nov-2013-Poll-Report.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109142219/http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Paddy-Power-Nov-2013-Poll-Report.pdf|url-status=dead|title=RED C – General Election Opinion Poll 7th November 2013|archive-date=9 January 2014}}</ref> A February 2014 poll by RED C for [[RTÉ]]'s ''[[Prime Time (Irish TV programme)|Prime Time]]'' and the ''[[Business Post]]'' showed that 76% of voters would vote "yes" to the introduction of same-sex marriage in any referendum.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0220/505702-same-sex-marriage/ |title=Poll finds strong support for same-sex marriage |date=20 February 2014 |website=RTE |access-date=31 May 2021 |archive-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813075405/https://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0220/505702-same-sex-marriage/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A poll conducted two months later by ''The Irish Times'' and [[Ipsos|Ipsos MRBI]] found that 67% of respondents would vote in favour of same-sex marriage and 21% against, with 12% undecided. When the undecided were excluded, 76% were in favour and 24% against.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/support-for-same-sex-marriage-increasing-poll-finds-1.1752448|title=Support for same-sex marriage increasing, poll finds|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=7 April 2014|access-date=7 April 2014|archive-date=7 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107031650/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/support-for-same-sex-marriage-increasing-poll-finds-1.1752448|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 2015 [[Eurobarometer]] found that 80% of Irish people thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, whilst 15% were against.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.equineteurope.org/IMG/pdf/ebs_437_en.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017162431/http://www.equineteurope.org/IMG/pdf/ebs_437_en.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Special Eurobarometer 437|archive-date=17 October 2015}}</ref> A [[Pew Research Center]] poll, conducted between April and August 2017 and published in May 2018, showed that 66% of Irish people supported same-sex marriage, 27% were opposed and 7% did not know or had refused to answer.<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2018/05/29/religion-and-society/ Religion and society] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718110549/http://www.pewforum.org/2018/05/29/religion-and-society/ |date=18 July 2018 }}, ''Pew Research Center'', 29 May 2018</ref> When divided by religion, 87% of religiously unaffiliated people, 80% of non-practicing Christians and 43% of church-attending Christians supported same-sex marriage.<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2018/05/29/being-christian-in-western-europe/ Being Christian in Western Europe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925225152/http://www.pewforum.org/2018/05/29/being-christian-in-western-europe/ |date=25 September 2018 }}, ''Pew Research Center'', 29 May 2018</ref> Opposition was 20% among 18–34-year-olds.<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2018/10/29/eastern-and-western-europeans-differ-on-importance-of-religion-views-of-minorities-and-key-social-issues/ Eastern and Western Europeans Differ on Importance of Religion, Views of Minorities, and Key Social Issues] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103072336/http://www.pewforum.org/2018/10/29/eastern-and-western-europeans-differ-on-importance-of-religion-views-of-minorities-and-key-social-issues/ |date=3 January 2019 }}, [[Pew Research Center]], 2017</ref> The 2019 Eurobarometer found that 79% of Irish people thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 13% were opposed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/ResultDoc/download/DocumentKy/87771|title=Eurobarometer on Discrimination 2019: The social acceptance of LGBTI people in the EU|publisher=European Commission|work=TNS|access-date=23 September 2019|page=2|archive-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216133347/https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/ResultDoc/download/DocumentKy/87771|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2023 Eurobarometer showed that support had increased to 86%, while 9% were opposed. The survey also found that 83% of Irish people thought that "there is nothing wrong in a sexual relationship between two persons of the same sex", while 12% disagreed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/2972|title=Eurobarometer 2023: Discrimination in the European Union|access-date=1 January 2024|work=europa.eu|archive-date=29 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229080848/https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/2972|url-status=live}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable sortable"
|+Opinion polls on the issue of same-sex marriage or voting intentions in the 2015 marriage referendum
|-
! Date
! Conducted by
! [[Sample size]]
! In favour
! Against
! Neutral/Undecided{{efn|Undecided or refused to answer}}
|-
| 21–23 April 2015<ref name="RTE_25042015">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0425/696754-redc-sundaybusinesspost/|title=Poll suggests drop in Govt parties support|publisher=[[RTÉ News]]|date=25 April 2015|access-date=26 April 2015|archive-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420051355/https://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0425/696754-redc-sundaybusinesspost/|url-status=live}}</ref> || [[RED C]]/''[[Business Post]]'' || 1,000 voters || {{Yes|'''72%'''}} || 20% || 8%
|-
| 13 April 2015<ref name="RTE_17042015">{{cite news|url=http://analysis.rte.ie/news-blog/2015/04/17/same-sex-marriage-referendum-are-we-on-course-for-a-record-turnout/|title=Are we on course for a record referendum turnout?|publisher=[[RTÉ News]]|date=17 April 2015|access-date=26 April 2015|archive-date=18 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518065555/http://analysis.rte.ie/news-blog/2015/04/17/same-sex-marriage-referendum-are-we-on-course-for-a-record-turnout/|url-status=live}}</ref> || Amárach Research/''[[RTÉ]] – [[Claire Byrne|Claire Byrne Live]]'' || 838 adults || {{Yes|'''77%'''}} || 14% || 9%
|-
| 23–24 March 2015<ref name="it2154967">{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/poll-shows-same-sex-marriage-referendum-could-be-close-1.2154967|title=Poll shows same-sex marriage referendum could be close|last=Collins|first=Stephen|date=27 March 2015|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]|access-date=31 March 2015|archive-date=19 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419132536/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/poll-shows-same-sex-marriage-referendum-could-be-close-1.2154967|url-status=live}}</ref> || [[Ipsos|Ipsos MRBI]]/''[[The Irish Times]]'' || 1,200 voters || {{Yes|'''74%'''}} || 26% || {{n/a}}{{efn|name="n"|"Yes"/"No" percentages excluding respondents refusing to answer or uncertain.}}
|-
| 19–21 January 2015<ref name="rte675471">{{cite news |title=Poll shows reservations on same-sex marriage remain |date=25 January 2015 |access-date=31 March 2015 |publisher=RTÉ |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0125/675471-same-sex-marriage/ |archive-date=20 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420050839/https://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0125/675471-same-sex-marriage/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="redc201501">{{cite web |url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/SBP-January-2015-Poll-Report.pdf#page=11 |pages=11–13 |title=Opinion Poll |publisher=Red C |date=25 January 2015 |access-date=31 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151236/http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/SBP-January-2015-Poll-Report.pdf#page=11 |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}</ref> || RED C/''Business Post'' || 1,005 adults || {{Yes|'''77%'''}} || 22% || 1%
|-
| 1–2 December 2014<ref name="journal1820670">{{cite news |url=http://www.thejournal.ie/same-sex-marriage-support-referendum-1820670-Dec2014/ |work=[[TheJournal.ie]] |access-date=31 March 2015 |date=8 December 2014 |first=Hugh |last=O'Connell |title=First poll finds large majority in favour of same sex marriage |archive-date=27 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427075506/https://www.thejournal.ie/same-sex-marriage-support-referendum-1820670-Dec2014/ |url-status=live }}</ref> || Ipsos MRBI/''The Irish Times'' || 1,200 adults || {{Yes|'''71%'''}} || 17% || 12%
|-
| 6–7 October 2014<ref name="journal1820670"/> || Ipsos MRBI/''The Irish Times'' || 1,200 adults || {{Yes|'''76%'''}} || 24% || {{n/a}}{{efn|name="n"}}
|-
| April 2014<ref name="newstalk27553">{{cite news|title=Ireland will hold same-sex marriage referendum in Spring 2015 |first=Jack |last=Quann |url=https://www.newstalk.ie/reader/47.301.341/27553/0/ |work=[[Newstalk]] |date=1 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114144/https://www.newstalk.ie/reader/47.301.341/27553/0/ |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}</ref> || Ipsos MRBI/''The Irish Times'' || 1,000 adults || {{Yes|'''67%'''}} || 21% || 12%
|-
| 17–19 February 2014<ref name="rte505702">{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0220/505702-same-sex-marriage/ |date=20 February 2014 |access-date=31 March 2015 |publisher=RTÉ |title=Poll finds strong support for same-sex marriage |archive-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813075405/https://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0220/505702-same-sex-marriage/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="redc201402">{{cite web|url=http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Same-Sex-Marriage-Poll-Feb-2014.pdf |title=Same-Sex Marriage Poll |publisher=Red C |date=20 February 2014 |access-date=31 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528085514/http://www.redcresearch.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Same-Sex-Marriage-Poll-Feb-2014.pdf |archive-date=28 May 2015 }}</ref> || RED C/''Business Post'' – ''[[Prime Time (Irish TV programme)|Prime Time]]'' || 1,007 adults || {{Yes|'''76%'''}} || 19% || 5%
|-
| 4–6 November 2013<ref name="redc201402"/><ref name="journal1164428">{{cite news |url=http://www.thejournal.ie/opinion-poll-same-sex-marriage-1164428-Nov2013/ |date=7 November 2013 |access-date=31 March 2015 |title=First poll finds large majority in favour of same sex marriage |first=Christine |last=Bohan |archive-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428000943/https://www.thejournal.ie/opinion-poll-same-sex-marriage-1164428-Nov2013/ |url-status=live }}</ref> || RED C/[[Paddy Power]] || 1,004 adults || {{Yes|'''76%'''}} || 18% || 6%
|-
| November 2012<ref name="newstalk27553"/> || Ipsos MRBI/''The Irish Times'' || 1,000 voters || {{Yes|'''53%'''}} || 30% || 17%
|}

Support is strongest among younger voters.<ref name="redc201402"/><ref name="newstalk27553"/><ref name="it2154967"/> Sinn Féin and Labour voters are somewhat more in favour than Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil voters.<ref name="redc201402"/><ref name="it2154967"/> Among those intending to vote "yes" in January 2015, 33/77 had "some reservations about same-sex marriage", and 29/77 had "some reservations about adoption by gay couples".<ref name="redc201501"/> A poll conducted a week before the referendum by ''The Irish Times'' showed that women supported same-sex marriage more than men.<ref>[http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Irish-Mammies-darling-Daniel-ODonnell-comes-out-for-gay-marriage.html 58 per cent say they will vote for Irish same sex marriage 25 per cent oppose] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426221012/http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Irish-Mammies-darling-Daniel-ODonnell-comes-out-for-gay-marriage.html |date=26 April 2016 }} Irish Central, 16 May 2015</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|LGBTQ|Ireland}}
*[[LGBT rights in the Republic of Ireland]]
*[[LGBT history in Ireland]]
*[[Recognition of same-sex unions in Europe]]
* [[He never married]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{cite BAILII |country=ie |litigants=Zappone & Anor v. Revenue Commissioners & Ors |court=IEHC  |division= |num=404 |para= |year=2006|date=14 December 2006}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=12249&&CatID=59&StartDate=01%20January%202009&OrderAscending=0|title=Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010|work=Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas|archive-date=8 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208110830/http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=12249&&CatID=59&StartDate=01%20January%202009&OrderAscending=0}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2015/act/35/enacted/en/html|title=Marriage Act 2015|work=Irish Statute Book|access-date=12 May 2024|archive-date=17 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317041047/https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2015/act/35/enacted/en/html}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.glen.ie/marriage/policyDevelopments.html |title=Recognition of Relationships: Major Policy Developments |publisher=Gay and Lesbian Equality Network |location=Ireland |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113024547/http://www.glen.ie/marriage/policyDevelopments.html |archive-date=13 January 2010 }}
*{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003141846/http://www.marriagequality.ie/|archive-date=3 October 2011|url=http://www.marriagequality.ie/|title=Website of MarriagEquality}}

{{LGBT in Ireland}}
{{Europe in topic|Same-sex marriage in}}
{{Status of same-sex unions}}

[[Category:Same-sex marriage in the Republic of Ireland| ]]
[[Category:2015 in LGBTQ history]]
[[Category:2015 in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:LGBTQ law in Ireland]]