

A moving advert has been released as part of a voter registration campaign ahead of next year’s referendum on equal marriage.

The Republic of Ireland, which introduced civil partnerships in 2011, is set to vote next May on extending civil marriage to same-sex couples, with early polls suggesting a landslide victory for equality.

However, referendums have a history of unpredictability in the country, due to a combination of low turnouts and powerful religious lobbies.

The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, and Marriage Equality Ireland have all joined together to launch the ‘Yes Equality’ campaign – which alongside LGBT charity BeLonG To launched its first ad targeted at young voters today.

Michael Barron of BeLonG To said: “We know that Ireland is ready for this change and that Irish young people really want a fair and equal society.

“Irish young people have always been agents for progressive change and today we are reaching out to all young adults aged 18-25 to say – this is your opportunity to create the society the you want – this is your generation’s decision.

“By registering to vote by 25th November and coming out to vote for civil marriage equality you will help our country turn over a new leaf and create the modern society that you deserve and can be proud of.”

BeLonG To chairperson Anna Quigley added: “Young people have a pivotal role to play in the forthcoming referendum and shaping the future of Irish society.

“However despite extremely positive polling results indicating a potential positive outcome in the referendum, we cannot be complacent.

“Our work starts here and now by ensuring that every young person is registered to vote next Spring, as without them we cannot win.”

Earlier this summer a group released a skit about the coming ‘apocalypse’ if same-sex marriage is passed in Ireland.

There are currently no plans to introduce same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.

Voters in Ireland must register to vote by November 25 to be eligible to vote in next year’s equal marriage referendum.