Bill allowing for same-sex marriage signed into law

Presidential Commission signs Bill in absence of President Michael D Higgins

A Bill to enact the outcome of the referendum on same-sex marriage has been signed into law.

The Presidential Commission - which is made up of the Chief Justice, the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil and the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad - on Thursday signed the Marriage Bill 2015 in the absence of President Michael D Higgins, who is on an official visit to the US.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald must now issue a commencement order which will allow same-sex couples to start getting married.

Ms Fitzgerald last week said the first same-sex marriages will take place by mid-November after legislation paving the way for such unions passed all stages in the Oireachtas.

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In May, the amendment was approved by more than 1.2 million people, or 62 per cent of voters, with a 60.5 per cent turnout. Roscommon-South Leitrim was the only constituency to reject the amendment.

The approved amendment means same-sex marriages will have the same status under the Constitution as a marriage between a man and a woman.