The Dáil has heard a call for a new national Bank Holiday to be declared on May 23rd, the same date as this year’s referendum on marriage equality.
Padraig MacLochlainn of Sinn Féin raised the subject today, reading out a letter he had received from a gay man who called for the Bank Holiday as a way to celebrate a day that will remind “future generations of the significance of not just our emancipation, but the equality of every citizen.”
“In a hundred years time the 23rd of May will be seen not Ireland’s, but one of humanity’s proudest moments because it was a day when equality conquered fear,” MacLochlainn read.
“Perhaps May 23rd should become a bank holiday, and called equality day? To remind future generations of the significance of not just our emancipation, but the equality of every citizen.”
Bringing the Marriage Bill legislation into effect was today debated in the Dáil, with MacLochlainn revealing that Sinn Féin “welcomes this Bill to the floor of the House with open arms.
“It is a momentous occasion where we as a people come together to end a two tier system of marriage inequality. Marriage is about one thing; love, and a lasting commitment to honour love.
“Nobody should ever be denied that opportunity.”
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