Colin Farrell Praises Ireland's Landmark Referendum On Same Sex Marriage Legalisation

Colin Farrell, a great supporter of gay rights, is one among the many people lauding Ireland for being the first country to legalise gay marriage through popular voting. As an Irishman himself, he said the country just “guaranteed a brighter and loving future” for Irish people.

Speaking with E Online, Farrell is beaming with pride on how his country just took one step towards LGBT equality by legalising same-sex marriage. The remarkable thing was that it was decide by a popular vote. "Today Ireland has opened up her heart in a way that the whole world will feel," Farrell shared. "How we have changed our fortune in 24 hours, how we have lit the way, how we have guaranteed a brighter and more loving future for all who call this beautiful land home,” he added.

The issue is really close to the heart of the actor. The “True Detective” actor penned a letter last year decrying his gay brother’s decision to get married in Canada out of necessity because he cannot do so yet in Ireland. On his letter, he stated that his brother Eamon did not choose to be gay. He said his brother is proud of himself and full of integrity and dignity even if other people made it hard for him to be, ridiculing and laughing at him. Farrell also appeared on "Claire Byrne Live" in January to announce his support for gay marriage.

CNN reported that the official results of the voting, announced Saturday at Dublin Castle press conference, showed massive support for the legalization of same-sex marriage. There was a remarkable gab between those who voted in favor (1,201,607) of the landmark referendum and those who voted against it (734,300). Irish politicians themselves believe that legalization of same-sex marriage should be supported, even though the country, which is majorly Catholic, is polarized over the issue.

According to Prime Minister Enda Kenny, before the voting began, a “yes” vote would “create history.” For the Prime Minister, legalization of same-sex marriage can remove all traces of prejudice and irrational fears of people with regard other people who are different from them. When the voting was concluded, Kenny claimed that the decision just proved how “generous and compassionate” Irish people are. He also said Irish people just showed how bold and joyful they are. Deputy Prime Minister Joan Burton added that the outcome is a “magical, moving moment.”

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