Mary McAleese - Former President of Ireland - Why My Family is Voting YES to Marriage Equality

Speaking at a BeLonG To event as part of the #BeLonGToYES coalition Former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese outlines in detail why she as a mother and a constitutional & canon lawyer is voting YES to Marriage Equality on Friday May 22nd and is bringing her family with her.

[@scheis123]

From America: Awesome speech! Thanks for sharing! I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying that my brothers and sisters in Ireland win the vote for equality!

[@CormacIRL]

Amazingly eloquent and touching. It is so reassuring to have our stance put so perfectly in a 24 minute speech. Thank you Former President McAleese.

[@thomasgolden5499]

We couldn't have asked for a better spokesperson nor for a more incisive speech. You GOT to love this woman !!

[@Rgutro]

What an amazing woman. Ireland was brilliant to elect her president. It would be great if she came to the U.S. and gave this talk before the Congress. Perhaps she could open some closed minds. What an amazing talk. Thank you.

[@thomasgolden5499]

Absolutely. She really touched hearts and minds in SO many ways whilst in office and still. This speech was outstanding !! Great idea about delivering it to US Congress !

[@seanmaccionnaith3458]

She would be an expert on Rear Gunners

[@amitexo]

Thanking you a million times Mary for all the support you have extended to us during and after your presidency! I am genuinely deeply touched by your speech. You are an amazing personality! Thanks a mil again.

[@jacquikelly9482]

I am so happy and honoured to hear Mary McAleese speech. So proud to be Irish and see this day arrive at last. Breaking away the old tabbos,and ushering in equality is the only true path forwards to a brighter happier future for all of ireland citizens, well done Mary McAleese we are honoured to have YOU:)

[@PradeepMahadeshwar]

Heartwarming speech. I am not an Irish but I just burst in tears.

[@seanmaccionnaith3458]

The mother of a Pervert.

[@Rohr65]

As an American Franciscan priest in New Mexico, educated by Irish nuns, it is a total delight to hear the intelligent, faith-filled, and honest talk by Mary McAlesse. How articulate she is without being angry, reactionary, or divisive! My prayers and hopes are with Ireland this Friday! Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM

[@aidanjoyce3248]

Leave the priesthood ya libtard prick

[@IrishDannyBoy]

Overwhelmed with emotion listening to this amazing woman speak her heart.. Thank you

[@thomasgolden5499]

Totally agree man! Tears here too. God bless her!

[@ejcmoran]

Mary, your intelligence, passion and care combined here should be seen and heard by everyone. Thank you from an Irish man in Australia, where we are miles behind this progressive opportunity.

[@thomasgolden5499]

yes, Yes, YES!!

[@aranireland]

Every parent in Ireland and beyond needs to seriously listen to these words and reflect if you are voting 'no' this Friday.

[@thomasgolden5499]

Agree TOTALLY

[@michaelwalsh9145]

What exactly does gay marriage have to do with parents?

[@KevinMeehanWhistle]

@@michaelwalsh9145 because no one should be decide to become a parent if they can't love their child unconditionally regardless of their skin colour or sexual orientation. That's why.

[@brianeduardo1234]

What a wonderful lady... have met her and she was my extern examiner in Criminal Law... she was a great great president....

[@lincolnswetpaint]

This should go viral! Every parent should have to watch this moment in history. She nailed every argument! She also nailed the pain we all suffer. That moment when you realize you are gay and the horror when you suddenly realize what lies ahead. Just for finding yourself attracted to the same gender. Then you have to hide it. Sometimes from yourself.

[@GneasYTC]

To my shame, back when Mary McAleese was standing for election as President of Ireland, I bought into the idea that she would be a 'tribal time bomb', just because she was a devout catholic from Northern Ireland, and I voted against her. Since then, every time I have listened to her, my respect and admiration has grown. I now regard her as one of the finest - and fairest - minds this country has ever had. I am so glad she didn't fade into the background after her two terms, and that she still speaks so eloquently on issues that really matter. Wonderful speech - full of love, compassion and precision. PS: And I am shocked, delighted and amazed that we voted yes so convincingly. Ireland has suddenly become a country I'm proud to call home.

[@DanielMasmanian]

At the five minute mark, all I can say: what a wonderful speech.

[@michaelwalsh9145]

She only jumped on the gay band wagon when her son came out, she hasn’t been able to shut up about it since.

[@ivandrobqueiroz1]

I´m so proud of Irish people and this woman, with a beautiful popular campaign! I hope soon visit this land... Hugss from Brazil

[@derrickplacido893]

We here in the USA are FINALLY starting to see the same view. What a wonderful woman.

[@jareddaughtry]

WOW. I have never heard a speech so eloquently and very thought-provoking arguments about marriage equality. " I see nothing to fear in the future. I see nothing but fear in the past." Stop branding, stop isolation, stop inequality, stop ignorance. Congratulations to IRELAND on the overwhelming vote to marriage equality!

[@elainestinton]

I fully understand as my only son is gay I too am overwhelmed just listening to this amazing lady and that's from my heart. But now they have voted yes I am so happy as he is getting married this year xx

[@suvariboy]

Great speech! We've had SSM in Canada for more than 12 years and NONE of the slippery slope arguments presented by this opposed to marriage equality have come true. Men still can't marry dogs, children or household appliances. The good news: no straight marriages have been harmed because Adam and Steve tied the knot. In fact, divorce rates have gone down. VOTE YES!!

[@mikeybear]

If only we had a head of state like you in Australia, Mary. If only. xoxo

[@RaulArasson]

Not only in Australia but so different parts of the world!! #VoteYes

[@davidk7049]

Michael Barnett She's no longer our president, but still a very respected woman in our society. Our current president, thankfully, is just as passionate about gay rights as she is.

[@johannesnicolaas]

I as a Dutchman are incredible proud of my Irish brothers and sisters. You made the brave decision! I wept when I saw the jubilation of the people in Dublin. The next day I went to a liberal oecumenical church in Leyden. A lesbian woman came up to me and said: We have two reasons for a party. Yes, I answered, pope Francis made Oscar Romero a saint and Ireland voted yes for same sex marriage. Such Joy!!

[@adrianandshane]

WONDERFUL

[@PanayiotisVyras]

Such an inspired speech, absolutely heartening to hear!

[@damienfaughnan7556]

Incredible woman. Well done.

[@seanmaccionnaith3458]

A completely useless woman that both her and her useless family live off the Irish Tax Payers.

[@eoghan-1778]

1993 was moments ago. Our former president says I am a person and my partner is a person, she tells the world we have earned the right to be thought of as people. The nation voted and we won. Love won. Equality won.

[@rextrek]

a yes vote gets my tourism dollars back to Ireland....a NO vote makes me NEVER go there again!

[@thorneel]

rextrek Have you ever been to Saudi Arabia? Check it out.

[@rextrek]

no thank u - I don't go too or spend where Im not wanted

[@thomasgolden5499]

Good on ya pal!

[@PluTiD]

Amazing, inspirational speech! We'd be hard-pressed to find anyone else who could express this so well.

[@deckearns]

She is amazing.

[@columduffy6872]

Thank you Mary for such a personal and professional speech. Your contribution to moving Ireland forward is so great. I hope you will continue to fight for equal rights around the world.

[@ciel222]

CONGRATULATIONS Ireland YES to love, equality, diversity and peace NO to hate and bigotry.

[@colmmackernan8324]

Bravo

[@ymiinar4014]

Brilliant! What a wonderful woman and an excellent speaker. I’m so glad Ireland passed marriage equality for all gays!

[@sweeperboy]

What a beautiful woman, her soul shines with an inner light.

[@fuxtown]

freeloader

[@georgekenny9820]

Sweeperboy No, her soul is black as coal. She is promoting sodomy & recently abortion, both of which are mortal sins.

[@LadySingsTheBlues01]

I'm so proud to be irish right now. A wonderful female president, and hopefully equality too. After years of beatings from the church our country is finally rising again.

[@016329]

The story about that old man crying made me cry! I feel so so unbelievably sad for the horrible lives that gay people have had and often still have to lead. It's just not right. I hope he eventually does find someone before he dies. It's never too late to find love.

[@johnmark150]

This video was made years ago, but it is still an amazing speech! Brilliant. The Irish people have so much to be proud of. They made history. They have shown a level of maturity and kindness towards their fellow human beings that is unseen in many countries. The scare campaigns failed and love and acceptance triumphed. Spain was the first Catholic country to legalize same-sex marriage, back in 2005. Most traditional Catholic countries in Europe and South America have since approved of same-sex marriages and the sky did not fall down and the world did not implode. God is in control and allowed this to happen. Deal with it. In years to come we will look back and wonder what all the fuss was about.

[@Liyl2K]

John Mark yes but ireland were the first in the world to decriminalize it through a referendum which the people of the country voted for . Other countries it was passed directly by a government or through the courts

[@ocodeskamcdbsm]

@@Liyl2K that's why he said Ireland made history. He understood the significance and the difference on the legalisation of SSM in the Republic of Ireland

[@5thgendirector]

What a remarkable woman and speech. I think it is really important for any part in the world especially developed nation to be the pioneer in civil right movement so that others can follow. Love from singapore.

[@carolmcleod8104]

Very well said very articulate I do so hope the vote is successful

[@RaulArasson]

I respect so much this lady #VoteYes

[@bonsaijimmy]

Thank you for speaking the TRUTH in such an enlightened, clear speech. Biblical teaching on Homosexuality is out of date. I hope pope Francis will watch this video.

[@davidfalchek3198]

brilliant. Thank you, Ireland, for leading the way!

[@mfitzy100]

Mary mcaleese is one of the finest heads of State the world has ever seen. Articulate, compassionate, supremely intelligent both intellectually and emotionally. Wish she was still President. One of the greatest Irish citizens ever seen.

[@misscupcake1089]

Welldone Mary mc aleese

[@TikTok-se4cb]

Mary McAleese is a wonderful human being. A true Christian and an ambassador for peace and equality.

[@bozarts22]

She is a Prophet in our day! What she says is true and makes me cry tears of joy because her reasoning is right on!

[@rastus338]

Magnificent speech.

[@AnCoilean]

At the Cumman naRuarí MacAisment (FF's LGBT pressure group ) AGM at the George on Easter Saturday she gave a beautiful speech. I cried.

[@DanielMasmanian]

At 24:08, it's the most comprehensive, fairest, wisest, maturest and sublimely logical response to modern bigotry I've ever heard. Or, to misquote Jim Jeffries, If don't want gay marriage... then don't marry a gay person. Otherwise it doesn't concern you. But in Ireland this week it does.

[@Lion2Tiger]

Excellent, moving speech. Same-sex marriage all the way!

[@mikeandroryinmich]

She knows what hatred for who you are feels like. Growing up in Northern Ireland and being Catholic would certainly teach what that feels like. It has gone on for many centuries. Just having to deal with that every day of your life would make you more compassionate to the underdog. When the Brits took away their Gaelic language thereby forcing them to speak English, stole their property, set up huge imposing structures on their land where they constantly "watched" them, forced them to pay taxes to the Anglican church (even though they were Catholic) and stole what potatoes "did" grow during the great famine thereby sending them to England, it really only galvanized the Irish. They wrote beautiful Irish folk music which actually tells the story of their oppression and great Irish poetry as well. This showed the British that these people cannot be kept down. If you listen to the former president speak you can actually hear the spunk when it comes to the "downtrodden." If you watch the video of President Obama visiting County Moneygall (where some of his ancestors came from) you actually see him commending the Irish on the way they speak English. They speak it better than British speak it. It only galvanized the Irish when the British oppressed them. I think it made them more compassionate. They know what it feels like to be pushed around. I have a feeling that is why my relatives who are all "on the other side now", were so spunky when it came to justice. When President Obama visited them and they drew a him a pint of Guiness, which he enjoyed, the fiddles were playing for him and everyone in that pub was smiling. They treat him better than we do here in the States for God's sake. There were no protests at all. No tea party Republicans there. No fundamentalist wackos there that you could see. Only very happy people who applauded him every time he spoke. Applauded him so much, it reminded me of when President Kennedy visited Berlin, Germany in 1963. Every time he opened his mouth, the German people applauded him so loud you could not hear all of what he was saying. I am not ashamed of being American at all but why in the world do we have so many people here with so much hatred in them? My friends tell me it goes back to the Puritans. They tell me we are still stinging from the Puritanical influences of all those years ago. I believe they are right in saying that. Look over the bridge to Canada. Not nearly as many Puritans immigrated there. Their government is way more compassionate. I rest my case. '

[@derrickplacido893]

Love this lady!

[@danielmurray04]

could I ask, does the Yes "side".. I hate that this has become so much about sides that have become so polarised, but my question. The campaign has said surrogacy is not an issue, so will it be safe to say the LGBT will not be campaigning for surrogacy as a method of facilitating gay male couples having children? This has been the stand the YES side put forward i.e. surrogacy as a reason to oppose is a red herring. That is a question, I don't know the answer, I see the risk... but would like to know if the LGBT has been honest about this and we will not see the LGBT pushing for surrogacy. Thanks

[@raisinhead2]

Daniel Murray What risk? That, god forbid, a same sex couple might have a child?

[@danielmurray04]

raisinhead2 there we go, typical LGBT bigot. ... the risk was around surrogacy, but instead of addressing the question, in typical YES mentality, you presume homophobia in your answer. Also, a same sex couple can not have a child together ... that is just a fact. If you don't want to answer, don't, keep your dick head answers, which confirm the critisizm of the YES side's utter intolerance, even to questions... replace "head" with "brain" and your handle would suit you better. You people are so hypocritical and dishonest... you can't even answer a question. which makes me think you have and we will see everything the yes side said this was not about, being pushed for by the LGBT. So it is going to be about surrogacy is what I get from your response as you equate that with simply "having a child". By the way, my feeling re surrogacy about surrogacy itself. It's not a good thing to allow at all, and does commodity children and is a serious abuse of women. Look at how many third world women are used for this, their poverty is used to get them to rent out their body for 9 months ... it immoral in the extreme. Given the YES heads support bullying the elderly, lying and keeping the discussion as far away from what the actual proposition was about... expecting honesty and a straight answer shows my own idiocy, in even trying to ask. If the LGBT pushes for surrogacy for male couples, they will fall even lower in the minds of many people, like myself, who previously supported the movement.

[@raisinhead2]

Daniel Murray Based on social science and my personal experience in these matters, I don't see the risk, if done carefully and ethically. My comment was reasonable and justified. Your reply, actually was a bit hysterical. Given the long history of homophobia, and the unjustified linking of equal marriage to the issue of children then I would be justified in making the accusation based on your fairly intemperate reply. Same sex parents become parents in all kinds of ways, not just surrogacy. The debate about surrogacy and the laws that regulate it needs to be had. I would hope that same sex couples are treated equally in this regard. That is it. Thank you and good night.

[@danielmurray04]

raisinhead2 your response was not reasonable, it actually didn't even connect with what I said... it was a personal attack based on a question, one you didn't answer and completely avoided surrogacy. "Given the long history of homophobia, and the unjustified linking of equal marriage to the issue of children then I would be justified in making the accusation based on your fairly intemperate reply." So you think judging a person based on a historical fact, or that many people make a connection.. justifies you presuming that about someone specifically sking a question about surrogacy... you answered to this body of people you see, not to me. To jusge an individual by a group you suspect or think they belong to is prejudice. Given the fact I there has been massive intolerance from the yes side to questions and I mention that and to ask a question is to be called a homophobe, and the fact that you respond by effectively doing exactly that. I really can't see how you can justify your answer. I asked a question mentioned that asking questions gets one called a homophobe, and you called me a homophobe!!!! and you have the cheek to call my response historical... let's group judge, from people who say "it's about the right to love"... "you are stealing my right to be equal" "bully your granny"... anyone who questions is a homophobe, you have the right to marry, you have no right to call anyone hysterical. So, if the history of homophobia justifies attacking people who ask questions or have reservations, does the bullying and lying of the LGBT campaign mean LGBT should be presumed bullies and liars? that is your logic, or at least it is justifiable to treat them that way. The debate on surrogacy does have to happen, and as it is only even valid for male/female cases where there is a medical problem, i.e. to offset the result of a medical problem, and that being male or being female is not a medical problem and two people of the same sex not being able to reproduce togather is not a medical problem, why would they be treated the same? Two gay men can only have a child through surrogacy.... if that is treated like a medical problem, and having a family is a right of marriage, than the law will have to legislate around surrogacy as a right! This was a concern denied by the yes side... and you (plural) are still pussy footing around it. The moment the LGBT or similar push for this is the moment they will be exposed as liars, if they do not do this, they will prove they were telling the truth. That is balance, not bias.

[@raisinhead2]

Daniel Murray You mistake accusation of homophobia as something personal. Don't worry its not. Most people are. And even me, a bit. At times. Try not to freak out about that. For the sake of clarity. I would like laws on surrogacy in Ireland to treat all married couples the same. And I don't see risks in letting two men bring up a child. At all.

[@petemelbourne4896]

Ireland should be proud of its decision and for Mary McAleese. If only other countries had such passionate leaders, (ex) Presidents or Prime Ministers. There was no hate just sound solid arguments based around Human Rights not old teachings. So proud of my Irish origins. So much more work to do in Australia on this issue.

[@thorneel]

Mary McAleese talking out through her hat again! Cant get any more equal than this. The Civil Partnership and certain rights of cohabitants Act became law in 2010. It provides a legal recognition as close to marriage as the prevailing understanding of constitutional limits would allows. It has been a huge success with civil partnerships happening across the country in every county in Ireland.

[@brianeduardo1234]

Though I accept the right of anyone to have voted 'no' one wonders how anyone could have having listened to that speech

[@kissingwell1877]

We want a yes !

[@ashlingGrimes]

Definitely an isperation to everyone

[@Faybriellle]

What a woman.

[@juicestoneful]

The State owns marriage not the Church........so why do they get so upset by it. For the first 1000 years of its life the Christian Church did not want to know about marriage.

[@nitelite78]

juicestoneful What I find interesting is that people tend to think "The Church" is the vatican or the priests and bishops or the buildings. But "The Church" is the believing people. What I see here is sensible smart Catholics like Mary McAleese reclaiming that label and speaking firmly and with conviction for the thing that Jesus Christ actually stands for. And that is love. I am not a believer myself but I applaud her and people like her for this.

[@danshanahan8328]

Amazingly how Mary mac never mentioned her son was gay when she went for president

[@ocodeskamcdbsm]

Because her son hadn't come out when she was first elected as president. And when he did come out- because of discrimination, it's his choice for people to know not his mother's

[@kevo5512]

Mary Mc Aleese wants equality for all, then why not campaign for the homeless. Surely this a much more urgent issue. Women and children sleeping rough while her TD colleagues own numerous houses while making sure the rent market is red hot. How many of her TD friends are millionaires. So why not use her power to help these poor people, our citizens who are dying on our streets. Oh sorry I forgot her son isn't homeless!!!!

[@ocodeskamcdbsm]

Seriously Kevo. She was speaking at an engagement about the same sex marriage vote. Whatever engagement she is asked to speak at she will speak on that issue. She has spoken on the issue of homelessness many times during and after her tenure as president. Why would she talk about homelessness at this engagement? She has been outspoken on this issue before she even had kid's and about homelessness, unfairness in society and the need for better resources but clearly you haven't done any homework and just decided to go on a rampage for no reason. Do you work with homeless people, the vulnerable people in society? Don't come back with stats unless you are one of those stats. I suggest you go to different council estates and departments and watch the amount of people abusing the system and taken away services from people who really need them. There are many people in desperate situations because they were let down by the government but not everyone is homeless because the system failed them some are there because they abused all the help they were given. It's not always black and white. And as for the TD's having other homes- I think our government is well over payed but you can to police how people spend their money legally when it's earned legally. What about the landlords who aren't TD's and are abusing the market or the people who get rent allowance and choose not to pay their rent who has been on the increase during the pandemic because they know they can't be evicted. Too may people abuse the system and it's not just the wealthy. But back to matter at hand. If she was at a speaking engagement about homelessness would you be happy if she spent the whole time talking about same sex marriage? NO

[@Grokford]

Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, c but you will not always have me.” John 12:5-8

[@ghoendtua703]

why not learn from Sodom and Gomorrah..? Torah: Genesis 19 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we want fuck to them. Torah: Genesis 19 19:24 Then Allah rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Allah out of heaven; 19:25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. Quran: Surah Hud 11 82. So when Our command came, We made the people of Lut country in under position, and We rained them with stones of baked clay with a barrage

[@AT-ss5nk]

Because they never existed, people aren't interested in Big Daddy anymore, and they're not interested in a book of fantasies and disgusting quotes and rules.

[@jamesceltic6011]

She became a LGBT supporter when her sons came out. She got her answer last week. We have enough of her wokeness

[@SityAnalytics]

Very biased talk that does not consider the central issue and the right of a children to have a mother and a father.

[@thomasgolden5499]

You may hear with your ears but your heart is deaf and your soul dead. You are blind to the truth and ignorant of the facts. The woman was not only a Barrister-at-law but the President of our country. For You to say that SHE did not consider the central issue is so laughable it beggars belief. There is an old adage that says " better to remain silent and appear a fool than to open your mouth and confirm it!" I profer it to you for future reference my friend!

[@DonalOLochlainn]

Mary the traitor tovthe Irish people.

[@2Planked]

Money power, privilege on the ba,cks of the electorate,

[@wingchun00]

God help us by allowing misguided women like her to voice abuse of the marriage covenant.

[@AT-ss5nk]

FACK YOU AND YOUR GOD

[@PPONYOU82]

Dreadful Women.

[@glenvalley4326]

Her son will never be able to get another man pregnant, no matter how hard he tries.

[@burkey548]

I NEVER KNEW YOU LIKED HAIR PIE SUPERB DARLING