Social revolution in Ireland

It wasn't just the majority of voters (62.1%)  who overturned the ban on gay marriage in Ireland.   It was the support -- even more, it was the pride in their country, expressed by  political leaders, that sets Ireland ahead of the others.   

Prime Minister Enda Kenny:  "With today's vote, we have disclosed who we are: a generous, compassionate, bold and joyful people."   Deputy Prime Minister Joan Burton called it "a magical moving moment, when the world's beating heart is in Ireland."

Both sides recognize the results as signalling a social revolution in their country, which only legalized divorce by a very narrow margin 20 years ago.   Even the Catholic Church is taking a different approach from its usual denunciation.   Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said the "overwhelming vote" indicates "a social revolution . . . .  The church needs to do a reality check right across the board. . . .Have we drifted completely away from young people?"

Note the change from the usual "young people drifting away from the church" to "Have we drifted completely away from young people?"

Michael Martin, a politician whose opposition party is traditionally closest to the Catholic Church, said he couldn't in good conscience back the anti-gay marriage side:  "It's simply wrong in the 21st century to oppress people because of their sexuality."

Leo Varadker, a cabinet minister who is openly gay said:   "People from the LGBT community in Ireland are a minority. But with our parents, our families, or friends and co-workers and colleagues, we're a majority. . . .  For me it wasn't just a referendum. It was more like a social revolution." 

Senator David Norris, the founding father of the gay rights movement in Ireland, now a senator, said:  "The people in this small island off the western coast of Europe have said to the rest of the world:

This is what it is to be decent, to be civilized, and to be tolerant!   And let the rest of the world catch up!"

Norris is right.   This is bigger than gay rights and marriage equality.   This is the triumph of decency over intolerance, the triumph of the people -- not in revolt against the religion but showing the Church a new way to embody the teachings of Jesus about kindness and compassion and acceptance of all.    

Somehow, at least in his heart, I believe Pope Francis will approve. 

Ralph