Gay and lesbian couples will begin
exchanging vows on Monday in the Republic of Ireland.
In May, Ireland became the first nation
to legalize such unions by a popular vote.
On Tuesday, Irish Minister for Justice
Frances Fitzgerald signed the commencement order for the Marriage Act
2015 in Dublin Castle, the BBC reported.
Starting on Monday, registrars will be
able to register the marriages of gay couples and the foreign
marriages of gay couples will be recognized by the state. Ireland
will also phase out civil partnerships.
“The Irish people blazed a trail on
22 May 2015 when they became the first sovereign people to choose
marriage equality by popular vote,” Fitzgerald said on Tuesday.
“They determined that Ireland should
be characterized by solidarity and inclusiveness. They have
reaffirmed the importance of marriage and family for our society,”
she
added.