Minister for Justice hails passing of marriage equality legislation

The passing of the Bill paving the way for same-sex marriage was "a real marker of equality" in the country, Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald told the Dáil. She was speaking as the Marriage Bill 2015 passed all stages in the Dáil. It now goes to the Seanad.

There was loud applause from TDs in the chamber and visitors in the public gallery at the end of the debate.

“We all hope the legislation will be enacted in the next few weeks,” said Ms Fitzgerald. “I thank all deputies and everyone who was involved in the campaign.”

Earlier, Ms Fitzgerald moved an amendment, which was accepted, removing the requirement for civil partners who had registered a civil partnership in Ireland to give three months' notice when seeking to marry one another.

“The amendment is to reduce any unnecessary administrative burden on civil partners wishing to marry,” she said.

Welcoming the amendment, former minister for justice Alan Shatter said couples who had entered civil partnership had already paid a fee to the celebrant or State.

This was the equivalent of the fee paid when celebrating a marriage in a registry office, he added.

Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer said it was a historic and important day in the State's history.

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said passing the legislation was a significant milestone in a journey that was still not complete towards achieving equal citizenship for all people and building a Republic.