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marriage referendum

This evening at his official residence in the Phoenix Park, President Michael D Higgins signed off the Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015.

This means that the result of May's historic referendum has now been enshrined in law.

A number of legal challenges brought against the result meant tonight's signing was delayed somewhat, but all the disputes were struck down at earlier High Court hearings.

The Irish people had voted by a margin of 62-38 percent and marriage in this country may now take place between two persons "without distinction as to their sex".

The Bill will also be introduced to the Dáil next month.

Although it was originally hoped that the first marriages between same-sex partners could take place as early as next month or October, it seems more likely now that those ceremonies will be held towards the end of this year.

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Actress Zelda Williams has leant her support to a ‘yes’ vote in Ireland’s forthcoming marriage referendum.

“As someone who’s grown up with many Irish people in her life, of every orientation (and I'll have yerr guts for garters if you say otherwise!), I hope their fight for marriage equality is successful,” she said in her Instagram post.

“You can do it Ireland! Make history!”

The message of support was made in response to a tweet from Tony- and Golden Globe-winner Ian McKellen.

Earlier this month, he addressed his “friends in Ireland,” saying: “Vote YES on 22 May and make your country first ever to legalise marriage equality by popular vote.”

Zelda, 25, is the only daughter of the late Robin Williams, who had three children from two marriages.

Before his death from suicide last August, the celebrated actor said: “My children give me a great sense of wonder: just to see them develop into these extraordinary human beings.”

In October, Zelda paid tribute to her father with a tattoo of a hummingbird on her right hand, along with his birth-date, July 21 1951, on her right wrist. 

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