With the first same-sex marriages expected in Ireland as early as next week, it has been confirmed that religious institutions will not be forced to marry gay couples.
On Monday Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald (right) signed the commencement order for the Marriage Equality Act. Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Joan Burton signed accompanying legislation under the Civil Registration Act.
Putting the minds of catastrophizing religious at ease, Tiernan Brady, policy director of equality group GLEN, said same-sex marriage is “not in any way about encroaching on anyone's space or encroaching on any sacrament.”
He added:
“It was about how the State regards its' citizens and what we asked the people on May 22 was whether no matter who you are, how you are born and who you fall in love with, whether the state should regard your relationship equally in the eyes of the constitution and the State will do that.”
RELATED: Applause Rings Out As Marriage Equality Bill Introduced In Ireland – VIDEO
On Monday, we reported that a gay couple has filed suit asking that their marriage, which took place in England, be recognized in Northern Ireland.
Watch a Yes Equality campaign video for May's referendum below.
