Vote With Us is a new online video campaign which attempts to help Irish voters to find and share compelling reasons to support marriage equality for LGBT couples in the upcoming referendum on May 22. The referendum proposes to add to the Constitution a declaration that "Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex." If passed, Ireland will become the first country in the world to equalize access to marriage by a national public vote.
The campaign was started by Dónal Mulligan, Eoin Wilson, and Ewan Kelly, three friends from Dublin, who believe that the messages of hope and encouragement will motivate others to vote in favor of the referendum. "The campaign responds directly to the many recent calls by public figures for more personal and emotive narratives," says the campaign co-founder Dónal Mulligan.
More than 50 people have submitted the videos so far and the numbers are rising.
Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy appears in one video saying voters will not vote against the referendum as an act of defiance against the Government. “I think people know that the best way to strike a blow against the establishment in this country is to vote Yes. It would be a clear statement in favor of equal rights; against discrimination," he said.
In another personal video on the campaign's website, Brighit and Paddy, devouted Catholics from Louth, and a couple married for over 50 years share their resons and thoughts. They wish that all of their grandchildren be protected and treated as equals under the Irish law, and they believe that voting YES is the right - and the Christian - thing to do. "Twenty years ago I probably would vote no. But now, that I know gay people and see the love and joy they can bring to life, I will be voting yes," Paddy said
Other public figures taking part in the campaign include politicians Jerry Buttimer and John Lyons, broadcaster and social justice activist Dil Wickremasinghe, drag queen and gay rights advocate Rory O'Neill, also known by his alter ego Panti.
Have a look at some of the touching videos below.
Gerard Lovett, a publician from a small village Kilnaleck, asking all his straight friends why are they voting yes.
Brighit and Paddy, devouted Catholics from Louth, and a couple married for over 50 years.
Irish middleweight boxer, Garry O'Sullivan shares his experience with the struggles he was facing prior to his coming out. "I came out about 18 months ago to my friends and family and it was a very positive experience. I didn't feel comfortable telling people that I was gay, because I thought being gay was something to be ashamed of. I thought being gay meant that I was worth less than ‘normal’ people. This was a very depressing and lonely experience. I now wholeheartedly and gladly know that I was completely wrong,"
Katherine and Anne Louise, a couple married in Canada over a decade ago and being together since 1980s. Katherine from the US, and Anne Louise from Ireland, both feel that wating for over 30 years for their marriage to be recognized was long enough.
"This is an extraordinary opportunity for every person to get and vote. This is a legacy vote, and it's unique in all the world. You'll want to be able to say to your children's children that you voted for marriage equality. This is about a four letter word - love."