The Constitutional Convention has voted overwhelmingly in favour of same-sex marriage in Ireland.

79 percent of those involved called for a change in the constitution to allow for such unions, while 18 percent voted against it.

Those who campaigned for sex marriage embraced and shed tears after today’s result was announced.

And in the end, the last two days of debate resulted in a fairly accurate reflection of recent opinion polls which suggest Irish people want to see change.

As it stands, the family based in marriage is protected by the constitution but the union itself is interpreted as that between a man and woman.

REACTION

The Tánaiste welcomed the Constitutional Convention’s decision to recommend a change to the Constitution to allow for same-sex marriage.

The convention is made up of politicians and ordinary citizens. 

In a statement, Eamon Gilmore said it wasn’t the State’s role to pass judgement on who a person wants to spend their life with.

Meanwhile the Justice Minister Alan Shatter said he welcomes the detailed consideration given by the Constitutional Convention to the issue of civil marriage for same sex couples.

Today’s result is being seen as a clear message that there is an appetite to give same-sex marriage the same status and legal protection.

The government will now assess today’s recommendation and consider whether they will allow the matter be put to a referendum.