Will you vote in the gay marriage referendum?

Kermit.de.frog · 18-12-2014 4:35am #1

I think it is in May.

I won't because it does not affect me. If they get it passed fair play but I doubt i'm in a minority when I say I have little interest in it.

I think this apathy might be the biggest risk to the referendum and also the appeal of giving the government a harmless (in my view) kicking.

Anyone feel the same way about it? I just could not be bothered. I think it will be like the children's referendum. Very low turnout.

shruikan2553 · 18-12-2014 4:41am

I will, doesn't affect me but that won't stop people feeling the need to prevent it so might as well counteract another person who it won't affect.

Will happen eventually, no point making the country look backward for another few years.

Jester252 · 18-12-2014 4:45am

depends if I'm near my polling station that day

bop1977 · 18-12-2014 4:45am

I probably won't due to just not caring either way about the issue.

I don't think that a protest vote will apply as most people likely to vote will either, vote with their bigoted prehistoric views or vote with a bit of cop on and pass it.

ziedth · 18-12-2014 4:52am

Even if I didn't care one bit, if I didn't have a little boy who could be gay and one day want to get married, if I didn't know people who deserve a chance to do something that would make them so happy and all it would cost me is an half hour of my time to tick a box.

Even after all that I would still urge people to vote in favor of it simply to ensure those people for whatever bat**** crazy reason are against gay marriage don't get their way.

Ken. · 18-12-2014 4:56am

I'll be voting for 2 reasons.
1. I've voted every time I've had a chance since I turned 18.
2. Anything to piss off the god botherer's.(I'll be voting to allow gay marriage).

endacl · 18-12-2014 5:00am

Of course it affects you. You live in a country where a substantial proportion of the population is denied the perfectly reasonable right to have their commitment to a partner recognised in law. This referendum could change that, and you would be living in a country that, in this regard at least, respected all of its citizens equally. That is important, and as an Irish adult with a vote, you have a duty to consider the question in a referendum of what sort of society you wish to live in.

In past times, a vote to extend suffrage to women would not have 'affected' me. But it would have affected many I care
about, and the wider society we all live in.

Wise up.

Bipolar Joe · 18-12-2014 5:14am

Civil rights affect us all. I'll be voting.

endacl · 18-12-2014 5:16am

Also. That'd be 'marriage equality referendum', not 'gay marriage'.

It's about extending a right, not creating one.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock · 18-12-2014 5:17am

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

I think it is in May.

I won't because it does not affect me. If they get it passed fair play but I doubt i'm in a minority when I say I have little interest in it.

I think this apathy might be the biggest risk to the referendum and also the appeal of giving the government a harmless (in my view) kicking.

Anyone feel the same way about it? I just could not be bothered. I think it will be like the children's referendum. Very low turnout.

Doesn;t stop a lot of people from voting against it, sadly.

18-12-2014 5:23am

Apathy is the reason most of these civil rights things don't come to pass.
The people who believe in, live and let live, are so easy going, that going out of their way to vote isn't for them.

You will find usually that its the hard, passionate people, one way or the other, that will make sure they vote.
So, in this case, the extremely passionate for, will vote, and the extremely passionate against will vote. Whereas, the in between, who believe people should be married if they want, no matter what their sexuality, won't bother, because to them, its not important.

Basically, the people who think, yea, let them marry, no skin off my nose, won't really go out of their way.

ObeyTheSuit · 18-12-2014 5:36am

Anyone tell me if I can I vote on this from Aus?

And yes, if I can vote on this I will. Quite interested to see what the final count will be.

SmilingLurker · 18-12-2014 8:14am

Will vote yes.

Why should two people who love each other not marry?

How does it effect anyone else?

Banjo String · 18-12-2014 8:22am

Voting yes.

People should have the same basic rights to marry regardless of sexual persuasion.

Macavity. · 18-12-2014 8:23am

I'll vote yes.

<insert post about how tolerant I am>

Daith · 18-12-2014 8:27am

For anyone who says "it won't affect me" do you not know any gay people? Do you know that all your family are straight and any child your family has, your friends have, your neighbours have will be straight?

whupdedo · 18-12-2014 8:29am

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

I think it is in May.

I won't because it does not affect me. If they get it passed fair play but I doubt i'm in a minority when I say I have little interest in it.

I think this apathy might be the biggest risk to the referendum and also the appeal of giving the government a harmless (in my view) kicking.

Anyone feel the same way about it? I just could not be bothered. I think it will be like the children's referendum. Very low turnout.

What happens if you ever have children and one of them is gay, or one you your siblings children or someone you care about in the future, your apathy may lend a hand in denying these people the same rights as the rest of society

As another poster said, use your vote, if only to cancel out another vote that might stop this referendum from passing

Buona Fortuna · 18-12-2014 8:30am

I'll be voting yes.

In doing so I'll be trying to convince myself that I'm an all round good guy and not getting a huge pleasure from sticking it to the RCC.:o

mrsbyrne · 18-12-2014 8:32am

A couple of other referendums are being tacked on including one to allow 16 year olds vote but nothing dramatic enough to get people out.
I think it will be defeated because the no lobby will be organised and are people who would vote as a matter of course.
However if the gay lobby campaign on a positive platform rather than shouting "homophobe" every time someone disagrees then they might be successful.
The actor who plays Mrs Browns neighbor was featured on Nationwide with her partner and for some reason they went down very well with some of the dinosaurs already mentioned in this thread. If I were in charge of the yes campaign I would engage them more and Pantybliss less. Just sayin.
Voting yes myself

The Backwards Man · 18-12-2014 8:40am

I haven't missed a vote since I turned 18, and I'm not going to start now

Turtyturd · 18-12-2014 8:42am

I'll vote yes, fortunately not to cool to vote on stuff like this like the OP.

Lovely Bloke · 18-12-2014 8:51am

Voting Yes, of course. Only imbeciles aren't voting, or voting no.

there is actually not a single valid reason for voting no on this issue, or not voting at all.

"It doesn't affect me" is not a valid reason.

conditioned games · 18-12-2014 8:53am

I'll be voting no. Way off the chart to be considered normal behaviour.

mikemac1 · 18-12-2014 8:55am

Sharing of tax credits for all!

Isn't that why couples get married?

18-12-2014 8:57am

I have some holidays planned for next year and have been hoping that the referendum isn't held during those holidays because I would be choosing to stay in Ireland to vote. Thankfully I seem to have avoided that.

I will be voting yes. It may not affect me directly now, but it may affect someone who I care about in the future and it certainly affects people that others care about right now.

I was asked by a ten year old yesterday when the date was announced "why do they have to have a vote for this, why can't it just be the way it is". I explained about our constitution and the requirement to vote to change it. Her response "yes, but why was it ever against the law, it doesn't make any sense"

We could learn a lot by listening to children's uncomplicated views a little more often.

mrsbyrne · 18-12-2014 8:57am

Baldy Conscience wrote: »

Voting Yes, of course. Only imbeciles aren't voting, or voting no.

there is actually not a single valid reason for voting no on this issue, or not voting at all.

"It doesn't affect me" is not a valid reason.

So this is typical of the attitude and approach that will result in the referendum being defeated.
If you disagree with me your an imbecile.
Not good folks

mcko · 18-12-2014 8:57am

I will be voting no.

frankeee · 18-12-2014 8:58am

ken wrote: »

I'll be voting for 2 reasons.
1. I've voted every time I've had a chance since I turned 18.
2. Anything to piss off the god botherer's.(I'll be voting to allow gay marriage).

The referendum is in Ireland right? Not Alabama

Lovely Bloke · 18-12-2014 8:59am

mrsbyrne wrote: »

So this is typical of the attitude and approach that will result in the referendum being defeated.
If you disagree with me your an imbecile.
Not good folks

are you voting no? Tell me why, and if there are actual reasons other than "Because God says so" and "it doesn't affect me" then I might change my mind, but as it is, the "no" side ARE imbeciles.

There is absolutely zero reason for anyone to note no on this issue, none.

mrsbyrne · 18-12-2014 9:01am

Baldy Conscience wrote: »

are you voting no? Tell me why, and if there are actual reasons other than "Because God says so" and "it doesn't affect me" then I might change my mind, but as it is, the "no" side ARE imbeciles.

There is absolutely zero reason for anyone to note no on this issue, none.

Read my original post. It's not a very long thread.

Laneyh · 18-12-2014 9:04am

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

I think it is in May.

I won't because it does not affect me. If they get it passed fair play but I doubt i'm in a minority when I say I have little interest in it.

I think this apathy might be the biggest risk to the referendum and also the appeal of giving the government a harmless (in my view) kicking.

Anyone feel the same way about it? I just could not be bothered. I think it will be like the children's referendum. Very low turnout.

People didn't understand the people's referendum and nor can children vote.
No matter how badly phrased it is the marriage equality referendum question should be clearcut enough
How would voting or not voting in it give the government a kicking?

Those that it does affect will all vote in favour and I expect a reasonable number of supporters besides.
Low turnout wouldn't mean it won't get passed
It depends on whether those opposed to it are organised and willing to vote in numbers.
It will be interesting to see whether there will be a letter from the bishops or influence from the church to their congregation
I think even quite religious people might just abstain from voting and choose not to get involved but it there is an organised campaign maybe that would change

Has the specific date been set? Things like day of the week will have an influence - particularly for the student vote.

Timberrrrrrrr · 18-12-2014 9:06am

conditioned games wrote: »

I'll be voting no. Way off the chart to be considered normal behaviour.

Explain please.

FWIW I think this will get a massive turnout and the results will be a resounding yes for gay marriage. I don't think there is a person in Ireland who does not know a gay friend or have a gay relative. To even consider for one second depriving them of happiness is imo despicable.

RobertKK · 18-12-2014 9:07am

The biggest threat to this referendum being passed comes from people on the yes side.
You see it on this thread, name calling and those who see a yes vote as being an anti religion or anti Catholic church vote.

People can vote how they want, no one has been appointed to judge anyone who votes either yes or no.

Annasopra · 18-12-2014 9:08am

ObeyTheSuit wrote: »

Anyone tell me if I can I vote on this from Aus?

And yes, if I can vote on this I will. Quite interested to see what the final count will be.

No. You can't.

MrVestek · 18-12-2014 9:10am

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

I think it is in May.

I won't because it does not affect me. If they get it passed fair play but I doubt i'm in a minority when I say I have little interest in it.

I think this apathy might be the biggest risk to the referendum and also the appeal of giving the government a harmless (in my view) kicking.

Anyone feel the same way about it? I just could not be bothered. I think it will be like the children's referendum. Very low turnout.

"This doesn't affect me so I won't bother voting."

Welcome to today's self centred modern culture people... I mean feck democracy, right?

secman · 18-12-2014 9:11am

conditioned games wrote: »

I'll be voting no. Way off the chart to be considered normal behaviour.

I too was a dinosaur...... when my daughter came out.... well human nature in me won and i very quickly wised up and realised how backward and futile my feelings on the subject were. Live and let live.... have a beautiful happy grandson now..... pure tonic he is.. he deserves both mammies to have equal rights .
If this leopard can change his spots believe me anyone can....... just saying......

Obviously voting YES

.

18-12-2014 9:16am

Mod

This is an emotive topic, and these topics usually descend into a snipey bitchfest. Let's try to avoid that.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but please convey that opinion in a non aggressive manner. Please do not use inflammatory phrasing e.g. "anyone who votes yes/no/doesn't vote/ is xxxxx". It won't get us anywhere and will get users banned.

If you want to change someones opinion (on either side of the debate) then shouting at them or namecalling is not the way to go about it.

theteal · 18-12-2014 9:16am

Damn straight I'll be casting my vote. It's embarrassing that such an inequality exists in what is supposed to be a modern society.

Also, the apathy is quite scary. A substantial portion Irish public who actually exercise their vote are elderly bible bashers. While younger people may think the question at hand is a no-brainer, I think there may be some surprise by how close this could be.

Akrasia · 18-12-2014 9:21am

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

I think it is in May.

I won't because it does not affect me. If they get it passed fair play but I doubt i'm in a minority when I say I have little interest in it.

I think this apathy might be the biggest risk to the referendum and also the appeal of giving the government a harmless (in my view) kicking.

Anyone feel the same way about it? I just could not be bothered. I think it will be like the children's referendum. Very low turnout.

If it was in the constitution that black people couldn't get married and there was a referendum to change that, would you still not vote 'because it doesn't affect you'?

(I'm only presuming that you're not black because you are a frog)

A society that allows discrimination reflects badly on all of us. Enlightened voters should vote for a society that protects the rights of minorities.

Annasopra · 18-12-2014 9:22am

conditioned games wrote: »

I'll be voting no. Way off the chart to be considered normal behaviour.

....aaaww

Sauve · 18-12-2014 9:24am

Absolutely yes I'll vote, and vote yes. Two people loving each other and wanting to be happy together can only be a good thing.

Daith · 18-12-2014 9:27am

RobertKK wrote: »

People can vote how they want, no one has been appointed to judge anyone who votes either yes or no.

People can vote however they want and people can be judged on how they vote. Same as anything.

RobertKK wrote: »

You see it on this thread, name calling and those who see a yes vote as being an anti religion or anti Catholic church vote

The Catholic Church are campaigning for No. Voting for yes would be voting against the Catholic Church though.

AudreyHepburn · 18-12-2014 9:29am

I will. It doesn't affect me either but it doesn't have to for me to understand why it's so vitally important to vote and vote yes.

There's no logical reason to vote no or to not vote at all.

Grayson · 18-12-2014 9:29am

frankeee wrote: »

The referendum is in Ireland right? Not Alabama

You've been to ireland yeah?

http://www.kilkennyjournal.ie/index.php/news/item/1232-paedophiles-set-to-pose-as-gays-to-marry-and-adopt-kids

Annasopra · 18-12-2014 9:30am

Daith wrote: »

Voting for yes would be voting against the Catholic Church though.

Plenty of practicing catholics will be voting yes. We really shouldnt be stereotyping them and dismissing them.

counterlock · 18-12-2014 9:31am

I'll wait to see the wording of the referendum before I decide which way to vote

Daith · 18-12-2014 9:32am

Joeytheparrot wrote: »

Plenty of practicing catholics will be voting yes. We really shouldnt be stereotyping them and dismissing them.

I'm not, however the Catholic Church as an organisation has made it's stance. It will have no problem saying "If you're a good Catholic vote no"

Annasopra · 18-12-2014 9:32am

Grayson wrote: »

You've been to ireland yeah?

http://www.kilkennyjournal.ie/index.php/news/item/1232-paedophiles-set-to-pose-as-gays-to-marry-and-adopt-kids

This is not the opinion of the vast majority of Irish people.

Willfarman · 18-12-2014 9:34am

Il be voting and I will be voting No. I can't see why the gays should have the life orielly, they should be tied down like the rest of us. Or is it yes I have to vote to ensure that?

Lovely Bloke · 18-12-2014 9:36am

Willfarman wrote: »

Il be voting and I will be voting No. I can't see why the gays should have the life orielly, they should be tied down like the rest of us.

then you should be voting yes

Sauve · 18-12-2014 9:36am

Daith wrote: »

I'm not, however the Catholic Church as an organisation has made it's stance. It will have no problem saying "If you're a good Catholic vote no"

They'll do no end of damage to their organisation if they take that stance. People aren't as mindlessly devoted as they used to be.

Will you vote in the gay marriage referendum?

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