Ireland's same-sex marriage referendum: What you need to know

A vote is set to take place in the Republic of Ireland next week, giving citizens the opportunity to decide if same-sex marriage should be legalised.

Historically a conservative Catholic country, homosexuality was illegal in Ireland until 1993. The Civil Partnership Act was enacted by the Irish government in 2010 and the first partnership between two men registered the following February.

However, there have been growing calls for full equal marriage legislation, particularly in the wake of the UK's Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act 2013. The referendum on May 22 is therefore a source of great anticipation and tension across the country. Keep reading

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