This In Focus note examines the same-sex marriage referendum held in Ireland on 22 May 2015.
Referendum on Same-Sex Marriage in Ireland (99 KB , PDF)
On 22 May 2015, Ireland held a referendum on same-sex marriage. The referendum questioned whether the electorate would agree to adding the clause, “marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex”, to Article 41 of the Irish Constitution. Results revealed that 62.07 percent of those who participated in the referendum voted in favour of same-sex marriage, making Ireland the first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote.
Following the results, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, announced legislative plans to be introduced into the Houses of the Oirechtas by June 2015.
Referendum on Same-Sex Marriage in Ireland (99 KB , PDF)
The US government has recently shifted its approach to Ukraine, engaging in direct negotiations with Russia regarding the conflict’s resolution, pursuing a minerals agreement with Ukraine, and temporarily halting military aid and intelligence sharing. During these developments, the UK government has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine through financial and military assistance, in addition to hosting a peace summit and committing further military aid.
The Palestine Statehood (Recognition) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Baroness Northover (Liberal Democrat). The bill would require the UK government to formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign and independent state.
![Palestine Statehood (Recognition) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 37 of 2024-25](https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/content/uploads/sites/2/2021/09/Foreign-Policy-VIGs-568x426.jpg)
The global landscape has changed significantly over the last couple of decades. This has led to questions about the UK’s current global standing and its ambitions. This briefing considers these issues in the context of the UK’s membership of international organisations, and its defence policy, foreign policy, and influence through soft power, the economy and aid spending.
