First Irish gay marriages likely in July

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald says Ireland's first gay marriages should happen by the end of July.

Ireland's new laws on gay marriage will be enacted by the end of July.

After the country's resounding support in a world-first vote, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said on Monday she was working to fulfil the wishes of same-sex couples who want to wed as soon as possible.

With the standard three-month notification to register a wedding day, the first ceremonies are likely to take place in the country's autumn.

"The Irish people have chosen decisively to extend the right to marry to same-sex couples," Fitzgerald said.

"I am particularly proud that the right to marriage equality will now be enshrined in our constitution as a result of a popular vote. I would like to compliment all of those who voted and who campaigned on both sides for what was a passionate and yet civilised referendum campaign.

"I am very conscious that many couples will want to get married as soon as possible. I am working to make that happen."

Government officials are currently drafting the Marriage Bill to reflect the vote and constitutional change.

It is expected to be finalised in June when it will go to Cabinet before passing through both houses of the parliament in Dublin.

The new laws will also give same-sex couples who have already made plans to enter a civil partnership to switch their notification to a planned marriage.

"This means that couples who have already registered their intention to enter a civil partnership will be instead able to get married once the law is enacted on the basis of the same registration of intent," the minister said.

The referendum made Ireland the only country where same-sex marriage reform was backed by popular vote.


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Source: AAP



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