Ireland First Nation to Legalize SSM by Popular Vote

Ireland, by a landslide, voted "yes" on the legalization of same-sex marriages in the nation, making it the first to do so by popular vote. All political parties and nearly all government officials supported the yes vote, to the dismay of the once highly influential church there. It was a 62.1% win for same-sex marriages, nearly 2 out of three citizens. Although gay people are a minority in Ireland, if you include their family, friends, and associates, there is a clear majority of support.

With the bad reputation of the church, few follow its teachings let alone attend mass. The waning influence of the church is the most likely reason that it's stance against SSM did not prevail.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=34759812&nid=757&title=ireland-gives-resounding-621-percent-yes-to-gay-marriage&s_cid=queue-15

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=34776622&nid=235&title=why-ireland-said-yes-to-same-sex-marriage&s_cid=queue-23