USI to launch campaign seeking ‘yes’ vote for marriage equality

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) will launch its campaign to secure a “yes” vote in the forthcoming marriage equality referendum on Tuesday at the Dublin City Council Offices in Wood Quay.

"Equal access to civil marriage in Ireland is one of the most important civil rights issues of our generation," USI president Laura Harmon said.

“Students have a valuable role to play in making this a reality.”

Students for Marriage Equality, the new campaigning body, says it will use the opportunity to reveal USI’s plans for “winning the referendum”. Students will also talk about why marriage equality is important to them.

“Students have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make Ireland more equal in the upcoming referendum on marriage equality. It is clear that students want to live in a more inclusive and egalitarian society. Access to marriage equality is a crucial part of this,” said Harmon.

“USI has registered more than 20,000 students to vote, and we plan to add to this number over the coming months. We know students are excited by the referendum and anxious to have their voices heard on the issue of marriage equality in Ireland.”

USI vice president for equality and citizenship, Annie Hoey, said that the campaign is designed "to engage students on the issues of marriage equality, and to mobilise students to vote on polling day".

The campaign will “put students in the centre of history,” she said.