A campaign for a “Yes” vote in the same-sex marriage referendum has been launched by the Union of Students of Ireland.
The USI, which says every campaign needs a hashtag, hopes #makegráthelaw will encourage the social-media generation to leave their mark on the campaign.
"This is not just about equality, it is about love," USI president Laura Harmon said at the launch in Dublin's Wood Quay.
The hand of history is weighing heavily on the student population the audience – representing colleges, institutes of technology and universities from every part of the State – was told.
The USI can reach parts that other organisations can't, said Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to shape the type of Ireland we want to live in," he said.
Students are in an enviable position. They have “the chance to make history with their first vote”, said Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin.
Meath goalkeeper Paddy O’Rourke was there as vice president of Dundalk Students’ Union. “It’s about choice. We have freedom of speech, so why doesn’t everyone have the freedom to love who they want?” he said.
Annie Hoey, USI vice president for equality and citizenship, warned students involved in the campaign for same sex marriage that it may take its toll.
“Your sense of self is going to be attacked. There are going to be people who try to cut us down. We cannot let them do that, we have to stand together.”
She told assembled student representatives they would be told that same-sex marriage would lead to “us marrying out pets or the pole in the garden” but said that that no one had married their pets in other jurisdictions where they had marriage equality.
An engaged couple, Katherine Nea and Amée Dunne, who both attend St Angela’s College, Sligo, talked about their hopes and plans to get married.
“We have an opportunity to protect our children, who are being bullied for being attracted to someone of the same gender. It’s not right and it’s not fair and it’s not equal,” said Ms Dunne, urging students to “have the conversation. Overcome the prejudice and create an equal society.”
Holding the referendum for same-sex marriage in May, when students are doing their exams, would not suit student voters as much as holding it in April, said Ms Harmon.
But, she said, students will overcome any challenges to get to the ballot box, where they plan to make “grá the law”.
