Mícheál and Gary met 15 years ago in Galway and have been happily together ever since. They got engaged 12 years ago and entered into a Civil Partnership four years ago. As there is no equivalent of an Irish civil partnership in Australia, where they now live, their union is not recognised there. For many reasons, they would like to get married in Ireland, which would then be recognised in Australia.

“We ask you to vote yes for all the gay children listening to the debate and who are fearful for what lies ahead for them…for the elderly gay people who lived their lives in the shadows, without respect, without love, to allow them some dignity in their final years.”