"A referendum on legalising gay marriage in Ireland will be held in May, the Republic’s deputy prime minister announced on Tuesday evening."

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/16/ireland-gay-marriage-referendum-may

It will take till May to explain what REFERENDUM means.

Nicely done video

Does Ireland currently have Civil Unions?

And the result.... a landmark victory for gay marriage. Most significant is that this was achieved by a referendum, meaning that every adult could have his/her say.

It's a really good thing that a popular vote on this issue is not needed in every country where marriage equality has already been achieved or will be achieved. It's unreasonable to think basic civil rights for small minority groups will usually pass in such popular direct votes.