More than 8,000 people took to the streets this past weekend to stand in solidarity with the LGBT community during Ireland’s sixth annual March for Marriage.
Marchers flooded the streets of Dublin and walked from city hall to the Department of Justice in support of marriage equality.
A substantial number of allies marched alongside LGBT participants amidst a colorful array of banners, signs and attire. Many wore sashes and tiaras to celebrate the newly-crowned Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, who recently opened up about her sexuality.
It was the largest attendance in the annual event’s six-year history. Participation has steadily increased since the first event, with an attendance of around 5,000 people at last year’s March. This year’s march may be the final March for Marriage, with the upcoming referendum on civil marriage for same-sex couples due to take in 2015.
March Organizer and LGBT Noise Spokesperson Max Krzyzanowski refuted the Institute’s notion, stating “We’re certainly not the pioneers in this, there are other countries that have had marriage equality for approaching 15 years now and nobody’s heterosexual marriage has fallen apart in those countries. None of the negative consequences that were feared and worried about have come to pass and we are merely following the path of countries that took the brave decision to go early on this.”
Check out the LGBT Noise new short film ‘ARMAGAYDDON’ starring Tara Flynn and Kevin McGahern. Marriage Equality – It’s not the end of the world, lads!
