Gay rights groups hailed victory in Ireland’s referendum to allow same-sex marriage on Saturday after the “No” campaigners effectively conceded defeat in the historic vote.
“Everyone seems to be predicting a ‘yes’ and that seems to be the case at the moment. It’s disappointing,” said John Murray from Catholic think tank the Iona Institute, which spearheaded the “No” campaign.
Early indications suggest the Republic of Ireland has voted to legalise same-sex marriage in a historic referendum.
More than 3.2 million people were asked whether they wanted to amend the country’s constitution to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.
Counting started at 0800 GMT on Satruday. An “unusually high” turnout has been reported. The final result is expected later on Saturday.
If the change is approved, the Republic of Ireland would become the first country to legalise same-sex marriage through a popular vote.
Minister for Equality Aodhan O Riordain said on Twitter: “I’m calling it. Key boxes opened. It’s a yes. And a landslide across Dublin. And I’m so proud to be Irish today”.
legalising gay marriage would be a seismic change in the traditionally Catholic republic, where homosexuality was illegal until 1993 and abortion remains prohibited except where the mother’s life is in danger. Opinion polls forecast a comfortable victory for the “Yes” campaign.