Ireland's Marriage Equality Bill will be signed into law next week after passing the final stages of approval today.

The Bill was approved by members of the Seanad this afternoon at Leinster House, to tumultuous applause from those present.

It will appear on the government's statute book next week after it has been signed by President Michael D. Higgins, at which point it is simply up to Tánaiste Joan Burton to sign the commencement order that will make the Bill a part of Irish law.

The moment the Marriage Bill 2015 was passed! #MarRef #YesEquality @YesEquality2015 @marriagequality pic.twitter.com/Vstbwpgwel

— Katherine Zappone (@SenatorKZappone) October 22, 2015

At that point same-sex couples will officially be entitled to a full civil marriage in Ireland.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the Bill's approval, saying it was truly a "momentous moment" for Ireland.

Senator David Norris, a longtime supporter of Ireland's fight for marriage equality, said today was "the end of a 46-year long journey," joking that the long wait "was beginning to get a bit boring."

Ireland will soon officially be the first country in the world to introduce same-sex marriage by popular vote.

With crowds gathering outside and in the Seanad Eireann gallery, supporters took to social media to express their delight at today's development:

Thrilled to be in Seanad Eireann for final stage of Marriage Equality Bill 2015 – a remarkable day! @Glen pic.twitter.com/QSGH4Q0vvD

— Ailbhe Smyth (@ailbhes) October 22, 2015

Historic day as marriage bill passes final stages in the Seanad. It goes now to the Aras for the Prez to sign

— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) October 22, 2015

The marriage equality bill has just passed the Seanad

— Senator Averil Power (@averilpower) October 22, 2015

"This is our time to embrace each other," says an audible emotional Katherine Zappone. "Our day has come." #seanad

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) October 22, 2015

A great day for Ireland.