It’s Official – Marriage Equality Is Now The Law

It's done.  The same sex marriage act has officially been signed into law. The legislation, which grants full marriage rights to same sex couples in Ireland has been signed by the Presidential Commission, filling in for Michael D. Higgins who is on an official visit in the US.

Great news - the Presidential Commission has signed the Marriage Bill 2015 into law this evening! #MarriageEquaility

— Frances Fitzgerald (@FitzgeraldFrncs) October 29, 2015

The Commission put pen to paper following the Seanad passing the act last week. Now, in order for same-sex marriages to take place, Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald must issue a commencement order, which is expected in the coming days. According to the Irish Times, Ms. Fitzgerald said that same-sex marriages should begin to take place mid-November, once the legislation has passed all stages in the Oireachtas. As expected, people took to social media in their droves to celebrate the news, including gay rights advocate Rory O' Neill aka Pantibliss who wrote on Facebook: "Congratulations everyone! It's now a done deal!"

so #MarRef is passed into law. Now to send the wedding present lists to the Iona HQ.

— Keith (@KTobin78) October 29, 2015

A great day! The Marriage Bill has been signed into law by the Presidential Commission #MarRef #MadeGráTheLaw pic.twitter.com/dirrPdNt4z — John Lyons TD (@JohnLyonsTD) October 29, 2015

Marriage equality is now officially the LAW in Ireland! So proud of us. All that hard work paid off, eh? ❤️#marref

— Hallowqueen (@LeanneWoodfull) October 29, 2015

Hooray!!! The presidential commission have signed the marriage equality bill into the law of our land! Welcome to equal Ireland!! #marref — Tiernan Brady (@Tiernanbrady) October 29, 2015

Hooray!!! The presidential commission have signed the marriage equality bill into the law of our land! Welcome to equal Ireland!! #marref

— Tiernan Brady (@Tiernanbrady) October 29, 2015

Been busy all day so only just heard the news the presidential commission has signed #marref into law *does happy dance* — Ken Curtin (@kencurtin) October 29, 2015

What a journey. #MarRef ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VTnIeldBtk

— Adam Shanley (@Adlers1) October 29, 2015

Note passed to me at tonight's #ConnollyCafe confirming that Pres Higgins has signed #MarRef bill. Lovely moment. pic.twitter.com/M0PVTUgDs5 — Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD (@AodhanORiordain) October 29, 2015

So now after so much hard work and scaremongering by nonentities , marriage equality is now a reality. Its done. #MarRef

— Wayne Power (@PowerWayne) October 29, 2015

We faced down the bigots. We won!!!!!!!!!!!!! #MarRef — Mark O'Halloran (@markohalloran) October 22, 2015