The Yes Equality campaign today, 20 May 2015, marked the giveaway of the 500,000th Yes Equality badge.

Ireland’s population is estimated at around four and a half million which means around 1 in 9 people now have an equality badge.

The badge has become an iconic symbol of the nationwide conversation on civil marriage equality that has taken place across the country over the course of this referendum campaign. As of today, half a million of these expressions of support for equality will have been distributed to voters around Ireland.

Speaking today, Yes Equality campaign co-director Brian Sheehan said:

“Over the course of these past weeks the Yes Equality badge has been transformed from a modest campaign tool to a national phenomenon – an extraordinary public statement of voters’ commitment to equality for Ireland’s Lesbian and Gay citizens. Now fully half a million of these badges are being proudly worn by Irish citizens”

“Since the launch of the campaign, Yes Equality has focussed on engaging in conversations with voters the length and breadth of the country about why a Yes this Friday will be a good thing for Ireland’s future.”

“These conversations have taken place via over 60 regional Yes Equality groups, who have been canvassing voters in their localities, and via the Yes Equality bus, which has brought our message to towns and villages across 26 counties.”

Yes Equality co-director Grainne Healy added:

“We are delighted to see the phenomenal groundswell of democratic engagement in this referendum which has been apparent both on the canvass and in the tens of thousands of new voters who have added their names to the electoral register. In the final days of the campaign, Yes Equality would like to urge all voters to take just one more step on this journey – to cast their ballot for Yes this Friday.”

Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol sent a message of support to the Yes Equality Campaign. Their hit ‘Just Say Yes’ has become an iconic part of the Yes campaign. Gary and Snow Patrol, we salute you.

Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol sent us a message of support. Their hit ‘Just Say Yes’ has become an iconic part of the Yes campaign. Gary and Snow Patrol, we salute you.

Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol sent us a message of support. Their hit ‘Just Say Yes’ has become an iconic part of the Yes campaign. Gary and Snow Patrol, we salute you.

Posted by YesEquality on Wednesday, 20 May 2015