LOL Ireland is a first world country, it's actually one of the most developed countries in the world. Third world is like... Nigeria. Anyways, I'm not Irish but I'm so excited about this, it seems like it's definitely going to a yes. This is going to be huge!
There are a lot of factors in play here. Firstly, the question "are you going to vote yes in favour of same sex marriage?" is a lot more loaded than asking which political party someone will vote for. Most people know that it is socially acceptable to be for gay equality, and they may voice this in public to avoid breaking a "taboo". Thus many public "yes voters" may really be closet no voters. Secondly, the polls have been quite urbanised, focussed on the young cosmopolitan voters. Attitudes in rural Ireland are a lot more traditional. Thirdly, whilst Ireland is certainly modernising at a hell of a rate it would be naive to discount the fact that it is one of the more religious western-countries (much like America) - this will have an impact. Contrast this to the UK (in particular GB) where secularism is the norm and there is still a lot of anti-gay sentiment. It is only logical this sentiment will be stronger in a religious state, particularly when the religion in favour is Roman Catholicism (not the most "relaxed" religion shall we say! :icon_wink). Now I believe (and hope) for a Yes vote here. I'm open to being proved wrong but I feel it will be a lot tighter than polls suggest, certainly not 70/30 in favour. I'd guess either 55/45 in favour or 60/40 in favour. EDIT: The #hometovote is truly wonderful. Loving reading all the comments and stories, as well as seeing the pictures. The ones comparing the voters to scenes in the Hobbit and LOTR are cracking!
The word on Twitter from people at the counts seems to be a strong Yes vote. Some rural counties currently on a margin of only about 51:49, but none seem to be actually returning No... ---------- Post added 23rd May 2015 at 10:19 AM ---------- Cork North West - expected to be one of the most conservative constituencies is on 55% Yes. People are crying at the Dublin count - in a good way. ---------- Post added 23rd May 2015 at 10:21 AM ---------- https://twitter.com/ronanmadigan/status/602027407093137408
I've heard that both the Yes and No campaigns have conceded that the Yes campaign has won a resounding victory! Some reports are predicting Yes win by a margin of 2:1. This is what happens when young people vote.
It's really good news. I was actually moved by all the people traveling back to Ireland to vote "yes."
So frickin' awesome! I've been seeing this all over different types of social media and I think it's fantastic~
Northern Ireland.. the last one standing. Not that I expect anything else from such a backwards & sectarian place.
F-ing Incredible. and like Bryan said, this is what happens when young people vote. I was having a brief discussion a few days ago on here with another poster that was saying they just couldnt get into politics enough to go and vote. Its imperative that you younger people do JUST THAT. VOTE. your vote today will affect the political climate, the world you live in long after us old farts are dead and forgotten, why on this earth would you ever consider letting us have the majority say in your future. You want to keep hiding your sexuality from everyone? you want to keep getting rejected for the simple pleasures in life? let me and those my age shape your future. You want to peacefully and respectfully tell me its time to hit the pasture and get out of your way? VOTE how much more proof do you need. Now, lets work on some other backwards ass countries. Who wants to go for a real challenge and start with the middle east.
AND IT'S A YES: Ireland becomes first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote - live | Global | The Guardian [YOUTUBE]Z-FPimCmbX8[/YOUTUBE]
:eusa_clap The reaction as well as the outcome of the Referendum has been Fantastic! It's helped me so much realizing the huge amount of positivity there is. I'm very proud to be Irish right now!