Blog: An appeal to undecided voters

A chara,

I want to make a special appeal to those who are undecided in how they will vote in Friday’s Marriage referendum and to those who out of fear or worry are veering towards voting against the amendment.

On Friday you will have the opportunity to vote in a secret ballot. How you choose to vote will have a huge impact on loving couples all across Ireland. Your vote can bring so much joy to these couples, and to loving couples for generations to come. It will also send a strong message to gay people, young and old.It will tell them that the days of hiding who they are, of feeling ashamed or afraid because of who they love, are over.

Too many young men and women have grown up scared, shy, lonely or victimised because of who they are.Too many older people have lived hidden lives, or denied their true selves for too many years. Too many of our brightest young people have moved abroad to find acceptance and equal opportunity. It is long past time for tolerance, fairness and equality.

I understand that the idea of two men or two women marrying might not make much sense to some people, but the truth is it doesn’t need to. The fact is people fall in love, and many people want to have that love and their commitment to one another recognised by the state through marriage. Allowing gay and lesbian couples to have their relationships recognised on an equal footing costs society nothing and will not impact on existing marriages. It will cost you nothing. It will however mean the world to many couples. I urge you to be generous and compassionate when you make your mark on the ballot paper.

Much has been said during the campaign about children’s rights, adoption, surrogacy and parenthood. The truth is the Marriage Referendum will have no impact on the law governing these issues. They have already been addressed by the Children & Family Relations Act 2015, without the need for a new referendum. This amendment is simply about allowing same-sex couples enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as we do.

It will not affect existing marriages. It will not affect religious marriage. It will not affect the rights of children.

This Friday we have the chance to make history. We have an opportunity to say that despite our diversity of opinions we value equality. The sense of fairness, generosity and goodwill that mark us as a people should inform your choice on Friday.

Be generous with your vote and vote Yes for Equality.

Is mise,

Liadh