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Tánaiste and Minister Fitzgerald announce Commencement of Marriage Act 2015
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Tánaiste Joan Burton with the signed Commencement Order and Regulations of the Marriage Act
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald today signed the commencement order for the Marriage Act 2015. The Commencement Order will bring the provisions of the Marriage Act 2015 into effect from Monday 16 November 2015.
The commencement order gives effect to the will of the people, as expressed in the referendum on 22 May, that marriage should be available to same-sex couples. At Dublin Castle this evening the Minister 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.
From Monday 16 November, same-sex couples, including couples who are already in civil partnerships, will be able to give notice of their intention to marry. Signing the Order, the Minister added:
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.