University College Dublin Students Union backed by the Union of Students in Ireland this afternoon held a ‘rainbow wedding' demonstration outside the Department of the Taoiseach to publicly support marriage equality in Ireland.

The demonstration will be led by UCDSU, UCD LGBT society and the USI. The move will undoubtedly put pressure on Enda Kenny to publicly support the cause after Tanáiste Eamonn Gilmore pledged his support towards same-sex marriage labelling it "the civil rights issue of this generation". At 12pm, two same sex couples and one heterosexual couple engaged in the marriage ceremony which will be officiated by John Logue, President of the USI, and supported by members of the societies and college community. This comes after a recent survey carried out in UCD showed that 92% of students supported the call for marriage equality in Ireland.

UCDSU President Rachel Breslin on reasons for organizing the march stated that "we decided to organize the "rainbow marriage" as a huge number of students wanted it. These results were in light of the UCD Equality Survey that was published. With over 92% of students calling for equal marriage rights. Breslin went onto further state that "there was great enthusiasm by all involved on the day, despite the weather. After the positive reception from passers by and students around the country.. this is certainly an issue that we will support fully."

Campaigns and Communications Officer Paddy Guiney praised the success of the rainbow ceremony and further encouraged students across the country to build on this and ensure that they are out marching with Marriage Equality on August 12th.

For more information on the March and the rainbow ceremony. Check out the links provided below.


UCD Rainbow Ceremony

March for Marriage event