Government Ministers have agreed to hold a referendum on same-sex marriage in 2015.
A group reviewing different aspects of Ireland's Constitution had recommended putting the issue to a vote.
The Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore, has said same-sex marriage is the civil rights issue of our time.
Earlier this year, the Constitutional Convention voted overwhelmingly in favour of recommending that the Government give all couples equal recognition:
- 79% voted to change the Constitution to provide for civil marriage for same-sex couples
- 78% favoured directive or mandatory wording in the event of such an amendment going ahead, meaning that the State should be obliged to enact laws providing for same sex marriage
- 81% voted for the State “to enact laws incorporating necessary changed arrangements in regard to the parentage, guardianship and upbringing of children” in lesbian and gay headed families.
The Transport Minister, Leo Varadkar has said he is personally in favour of same-sex marriage and that he would prefer to take the time to make sure it passes, instead of rushing a vote.
The Finance Minister, Michael Noonan, has admitted he hasn't encountered anyone under the age of 40 who is against same-sex marriage.
