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16th Nov 2015

Same-sex couples can officially marry in Ireland from today

What a day

Conor Heneghan

A big day for same-sex couples in Ireland.

Following on from the historic referendum result in May of this year, today marks another milestone for same-sex couples in this country.

From today, November 16, same-sex couples can officially give full notice of their intention to marry, while those who had given notice for a civil partnership can now marry instead if they so wish.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 23: Drag queen artist and Yes campaign activist, Panti Bliss joins supporters in favour of same-sex marriage celebrate and cheer as thousands gather in Dublin Castle square awaiting the referendum vote outcome on May 23, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. Voters in the Republic of Ireland are taking part in a referendum on legalising same-sex marriage on Friday. The referendum was held 22 years after Ireland decriminalised homosexuality with more than 3.2m people being asked whether they want to amend the country's constitution to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald officially signed the commencement order for the Marriage Act 2015 last week, which, of course, was supported by 62 per cent of Irish voters in the Marriage Referendum in May.

Same-sex couples who have been married abroad, meanwhile, will also have their marriage recognised in Ireland from today onwards.

A great day for the parish indeed.

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