

Ireland’s tourist board is not wasting any time in promoting the country as a gay wedding destination.

The Republic of Ireland overwhelmingly voted to introduce same-sex marriage in a referendum last week, with 62.1% voting in favour and 37.9% voting against.

Although by passing the referendum the public has given approval to the concept of same-sex marriage, the law is not set to come into effect for several months – with Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald saying that the Marriage Bill 2015 will be enacted by the end of July.

However, Discover Ireland are already capitalising on the move – releasing an advert promoting the country to LGBT people.

It highlights the country’s progress on equality, saying: “On May 22, 2015, the Republic of Ireland voted YES to allow same-sex marriage. Ireland says I DO!”

The advert plugs “the world’s first ever LGBT matchmaking festival” – before adding: “and now everyone can get married here too!”

It’s not the first time equality has been seized on – the tourist board in Las Vegas took out a number of full-page newspaper ads declaring the city open for gay weddings when they became legal in Nevada last year.

Ms Fitzgerald has promised to implement the law as soon as possible, saying: “I am very conscious that many couples will want to get married as soon as possible. I am working to make that happen.”

“My intention is to seek Government approval for the Marriage Bill 2015 in June with the aim of introducing the Bill into the Oireachtas immediately thereafter so that the legislation can be enacted before the summer recess.”