Ireland Sets The Date

Via the Guardian:

Voters in the Irish Republic will decide whether to approve same-sex marriage on 22 May after the Taoiseach announced the date for a referendum. Enda Kenny announced the date that voters in the republic will cast their ballots during an interview on RTÉ television on Thursday night. He said the referendum would underline Ireland’s reputation as a tolerant and inclusive nation. Kenny said that most members of the Irish parliament were in favour of same-sex marriage and that he hoped support for the referendum would be maintained. The proposal to be put to Irish voters will read: “Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.” Justice minister Frances Fitzgerald described the wording of the referendum as “clear and precise”. The referendum was backed by both Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin last month.

Voters will also be asked to decide if the minimum age to run for the Irish presidency should be lowered from 35 to 21.