Video - Same-sex marriage referendum is about equality

“THERE'S hardly any of us who don't know someone who is gay, there's very few families who don't have a family member who is gay – so why shouldn't they have equality like everybody else?” asked Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams TD as his party welcomed the publication of the wording for the referendum on Marriage Equality to be held in May.

Describing the move as “historical step-forward” he said the right of gay people to marry was a fundamental human right.

The wording of the referendum proposes adding a new section to the Constitution, stating:

"Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex".

Sinn Féin Justice and Equality spokesperson Pádraig MacLochlainn TD said the party would study the wording carefully and discuss it with advocacy groups:

“This referendum provides an opportunity to make a historic advance in equality. We are calling and hoping for a resounding Yes vote,” he said.