Irish Marriage Equality Bill Passes Final Step, Ceremonies Set to Begin in November

Earlier today, the Irish government took the final steps in approving the result from May's historic marriage equality referendum, which saw 62% of voters cast their ballots in favor of equality. With its final reading in the Irish parliament, the Oireachtas, Marriage Bill 2015 has officially been adopted, with just President Michael Higgins' signature—an assured formality—remaining. The moment was marked by spontaneous applause from those gathered in the hall. 

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald (pictured below in between YES Equality's Brian Sheehan and Graine Healy in Pantibar) said that marriages will begin in November of this year. The Irish Times reports that Fitzgerald went on to say, "today is a joyous day."

Photo via Facebook/Panti Bliss