Ireland’s equal marriage law enters force on Monday

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald yesterday signed the commencement order for the Marriage Act 2015, paving the way for the first same-sex marriages to be conducted in Ireland from Monday.

Marriages between same-sex couples conducted in other jurisdictions will be recognised automatically as marriages in Ireland, and existing civil partners will be able to convert their partnerships into marriages.

Speaking at Dublin Castle last night, Ms Fitzgerald said: “The Irish people blazed a trail on 22 May 2015 when they became the first sovereign people to choose marriage equality by popular vote.

“They determined that Ireland should be characterised by solidarity and inclusiveness. They have reaffirmed the importance of marriage and family for our society.”

Once the new law takes effect, same-sex couples will no longer be able to give notice of their intention to register a civil partnership.

However, a couple who have given notice of their intention to register a civil partnership will be able to convert this into a notification of their intention to marry.

Couples who have given notice of their intention to register a civil partnership and have already completed their registration form will have until 15 May 2016 to go ahead and register the civil partnership.

Signing the commencement order last night, Ms Fitzgerald said: “It is a real pleasure to sign this Order in the company of some of the couples who will be able to marry in the coming weeks and months.

“The Marriage Act has profound symbolic importance, but will also have a real and tangible impact on their family life.”