Ireland: Traditionally Catholic Nation Makes History with Marriage Equality Vote

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In a historic victory for marriage equality, Ireland has become the first country in the world to approve same-sex marriage via popular vote.

By a 62-to-38 margin, the people of Ireland voted a resounding "yes" for equality in a national referendum on Friday. This signals what some are calling a "social revolution" in the traditionally conservative Catholic country. Ireland's constitution will now be amended to say that two people can marry "without distinction as to their sex."

The turnout was one of the highest in the country's history and came after a robust civic campaign led by human rights activists, trade unions, celebrities, and employers. Ireland's referendum reflects a sea change in a country where homosexuality was decriminalized just two decades ago and where 70 percent of the population still identifies as Roman Catholic.

"Democracy Now!" is joined by Gavin Boyd, the policy and advocacy manager at The Rainbow Project, from Belfast, Northern Ireland.