Ireland Approves Same-Sex Marriage by Popular Referendum
Ireland had undergone significant social liberalization in the decades leading to 2015, with growing public support for LGBTQ+ rights following earlier reforms like the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1993. A constitutional convention recommended allowing same-sex marriage, prompting the government to hold a referendum on amending the constitution. On May 22, 2015, voters approved the Thirty-fourth Amendment by 62% to 38% on a 61% turnout, making Ireland the first country to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular vote. The result reflected broad cross-party and grassroots campaigning by groups like Yes Equality. The amendment took effect later that year, enabling the first same-sex marriages in November.