ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the 2015 Irish referendum on same sex marriage, where over 62% of voters voted in favour of amending the definition of marriage to include same sex couples. It aims to contribute to the literature that refuses to dichotomously pit religions, even those vocally opposing lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and Queer (LGBTQ) rights generally and same sex marriage in particular, against LGBTQ rights. The chapter examines the diversity of views voiced within the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland in the lead-up to the referendum. It outlines the specific context of the same sex marriage debate in Ireland focusing on the position of the Irish Roman Catholic Church in relation to key elements of the debate. The chapter examines the 'two sides' of the argument presented by Catholic clergy, beginning with the rationale for demanding a No vote, before examining the ways in which Parish priests in particular supported a Yes vote.
