by Erica Batyko
Wandering through the streets of Dublin passersby are berated with signs saying “yes” or “no.” Ireland is about to vote on marriage equality. It is the first country to put the issue to popular vote.
Dubliners have hit the streets to raise awareness of the issue and secure the vote. Marriage equality is a controversial issue in the country where voters are deciding whether to embrace change or stick to the status quo. The world’s eyes are on Ireland as the outcome may define how marriage equality is viewed in other nations.
In order to get the word out the vote yes supports have placed signs throughout several cities and setup headquarters in Dublin. Campaigners have reached out to locals and celebrities to help spread support of the issue.
On May 18, Comedy Crunch hosted comedians to entertain a large crowd of Dubliners and international visitors. Two Irish comedians and a Canadian headliner performed and each had a special message for the crowd. The comedians began their routines by explaining the referendum and asking the audience to vote yes for marriage equality.
Each comedian appealed to the audience to make their voices heard and to vote for the sake of equal rights and to show the world what Ireland stands for. The message though similar to most of the signs on the street, carried more power. The room was filled with people from more than half a dozen countries, several of whom were unaware the referendum is occurring.
Entertainers have power. They reach diverse crowds who give them their full attention. In less than two minutes people from around the world gained information about the referendum and could use that information to make a decision or to educate others.
You don’t need a headliner or a rock star to make your message heard. Even a couple performers in a cramped basement can reach an audience and make a difference.
The referendum is being held on May 22. If the yes vote gains the majority Ireland will become the 19th country to legalize gay marriage following Scotland and Luxembourg.
Countries That Legalized Gay Marriage
2000- Netherlands
2003- Belgium
2005- Canada
2005- Spain
2006- South Africa
2009-Sweden
2009-Norway
2010- Portugal
2010- Iceland
2010- Argentina
2012- Denmark
2013- Uruguay
2013- New Zealand
2013- France
2013- England/ Wales
2013- Brazil
2014- Luxembourg
2014- Scotland
Wandering through the streets of Dublin passersby are berated with signs saying “yes” or “no.” Ireland is about to vote on marriage equality. It is the first country to put the issue to popular vote.
Dubliners have hit the streets to raise awareness of the issue and secure the vote. Marriage equality is a controversial issue in the country where voters are deciding whether to embrace change or stick to the status quo. The world’s eyes are on Ireland as the outcome may define how marriage equality is viewed in other nations.
In order to get the word out the vote yes supports have placed signs throughout several cities and setup headquarters in Dublin. Campaigners have reached out to locals and celebrities to help spread support of the issue.
On May 18, Comedy Crunch hosted comedians to entertain a large crowd of Dubliners and international visitors. Two Irish comedians and a Canadian headliner performed and each had a special message for the crowd. The comedians began their routines by explaining the referendum and asking the audience to vote yes for marriage equality.
Each comedian appealed to the audience to make their voices heard and to vote for the sake of equal rights and to show the world what Ireland stands for. The message though similar to most of the signs on the street, carried more power. The room was filled with people from more than half a dozen countries, several of whom were unaware the referendum is occurring.
Entertainers have power. They reach diverse crowds who give them their full attention. In less than two minutes people from around the world gained information about the referendum and could use that information to make a decision or to educate others.
You don’t need a headliner or a rock star to make your message heard. Even a couple performers in a cramped basement can reach an audience and make a difference.
The referendum is being held on May 22. If the yes vote gains the majority Ireland will become the 19th country to legalize gay marriage following Scotland and Luxembourg.
Countries That Legalized Gay Marriage
2000- Netherlands
2003- Belgium
2005- Canada
2005- Spain
2006- South Africa
2009-Sweden
2009-Norway
2010- Portugal
2010- Iceland
2010- Argentina
2012- Denmark
2013- Uruguay
2013- New Zealand
2013- France
2013- England/ Wales
2013- Brazil
2014- Luxembourg
2014- Scotland