Irish American Billionaire Chuck Feeney Key Backer For Gay Marriage In Ireland

Chuck Feeney, a billionaire of Irish American descent best known as the rich guy who wants to go broke in his lifetime, has been identified as one of the key backers for the legalisation of gay marriage in Ireland. The marriage equality drive in the country is poised for a referendum on May 22, where Feeney has poured in AU$617,082 (US$475,000) of his money to make the Yes campaign successful.

Irish Central reports that initial polling sentiments seem to yield a sure win for the Yes campaign, connoting victory for the same-sex marriage side. However, Irish referendums tend to change at the last minute as voters swing wildly, the portal said.

The AU$617,082 amount will be donated to the Marriage Equality Ltd., one of the key groups running the Yes campaign in Ireland. If the Yes campaign succeeds and the same-sex marriage side wins, the Irish constitution will have a new clause that says, “Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex."

Attitudes in Ireland towards LGBT have become increasingly liberal. In 2015 a survey involving 1000 people in Ireland said 78 percent support same-sex marriage, while 71 percent said same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt.

Feeney, now 82 years old, has allotted $1 billion from his $7.5 billion fortune to be spent on issues of equality in Ireland, along with other initiatives to help "services to better reflect the needs of LGBT people.” Feeney made his money as co-founder of DFS, the largest duty free empire in the world.

He is best known as the billionaire who wants to give away all his money while he is still alive to witness the fruits of his charity. His example of “giving while living” has inspired other billionaire businessmen, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and investor Warren Buffett. His principle is relatively simple: those who have amassed great wealth should use their money for "a greater good.”

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