DUBLIN: Thousands Attend Marriage Rally

JMG reader Helen sends us the above photo of today's big marriage rally in Dublin, where the crowd of thousands was joined by entertainers and politicians. That's Helen in the red holding the LGBT Noise banner. To Helen's left is her wife. The Irish Mirror reports:

An estimated crowd of nearly 5,000 people gathered at Merrion Square in Dublin for a Yes Equality event organised by LGBT group Noise. Choristers and entertainers, trade unionists and politicians joined the demonstration ahead of this month's vote. Max Krzyzanowski of campaign group Noise said: "This is a historic opportunity for Irish people to be on the right side of history and vote yes." The referendum is due to be held on May 22 when voters will have their say on whether to extend marriage rights to gay couples. The Catholic church has argued for a "no" vote. Archbishop Michael Neary said: "In saying this we are not disparaging anyone, nor are we being disrespectful to same-sex relationships. Despite what we are led to believe this referendum is not about same-sex relationships or about equality, but about the family."