It was five years ago today that Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote.
On May 22nd, 2015, 62% of voters said yes to marriage equality.
Since then, 3,210 same-sex marriages have taken place on these shores.
On 22 May 2015, Ireland took a historic step towards #equality and #inclusion when we became the first country to legalise same sex marriage by popular vote. Have a look at our video to find out more. 🏳️🌈 @LGBT_ie #MarRefMemories #LGBTQ pic.twitter.com/XXbnyhUvMy
— Department of Justice & Equality (@DeptJusticeIRL) May 22, 2020
As the result of the vote was announced at Dublin Castle, a photo of one couple became the symbol of the momentous occasion.
Paul Bonass and his boyfriend Luke kissed under a "Yes" balloon, and the photo quickly spread to all corners of the globe.
Paul said "Within a half-hour, we were getting messages from friends of ours in Sydney saying you're on the news over here. Crazy.
"We're humbled to be part of it and it's changed the lives of so many younger people."
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is among those looking back on the day with pride:
Marking the fifth anniversary of Marriage Referendum with @kzapponetd today #MarRefMemories pic.twitter.com/9jTP4QhMSV
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) May 22, 2020
Five years ago today. I voted Yes, with these two alongside me, before dropping them to school. Then I drove to work, sobbing as I heard all the #HometoVote stories flood in. I remember himself telling me to find a quiet room to go lie down in for a while! 😂 #MarRefMemories pic.twitter.com/hw5ZwnDacf
— Colm O'Gorman (@Colmogorman) May 22, 2020
Ann Louise & I outside the polling station 5 years ago. We had just voted & excited for the count. Thanks to @jasonpkennedy for this wonderful picture. #MarRefMemories #yesequality #yesequalitydsw ❤🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/0rroM1jXei
— Katherine Zappone (@KZapponeTD) May 22, 2020
5 years ago today, my parents sent me a text from outside the polling booth. It read "you're equal today, you'll be equal tomorrow. Love mum & dad". Luckily 1,201,607 people agreed. #YesEquality #MarRefMemories pic.twitter.com/Jxq82BWMkD
— Emily Glen (@Emily_Glen) May 22, 2020
Today was meant to be our wedding day. Unfortunately, COVID-19 put paid to our plans. However, we will still raise a toast to the freedom to marry and to the 1,201,607 Irish people who voted YES in the #MarRef on that beautiful day in May five years ago! #MarRefMemories pic.twitter.com/Zci9aqSlQF
— Pádraig M. Rice (@PadraigRice) May 22, 2020
This year's Dublin Pride parade will not be going ahead as usual.
In its place a digital event will be held.
It was launched this evening at Dublin Castle:
Digital Dublin Pride Launch 2020 - LIVE https://t.co/BqAqhJNysH
— Dublin LGBTQ Pride (@DublinPride) May 22, 2020
