For those of you that hadn't yet heard, on 22 May 2015 - less than 3 weeks from today - a public referendum will be held to amend the constitution of the Republic of Ireland to recognize same-sex marriage. This is the first time in history a public vote has been called at a national level on marriage equality, and I confess that I am proud to live on the little island in the North Atlantic where this historical moment is happening.
One of the most amazing parts of this moment is the fact that only a couple of decades ago - a time when most of the music they play after midnight in the pubs here was released - such a vote would have been incomprehensible. The fact that 68% of the population (based on the most recent poll) supports the acceptance of marriage equality is even more amazing still. That having been said, there is an historic danger that a complacency may envelop those who - in their hearts - support equality, and a regressive element may win the day.
In the US it's become up to the courts to make the decisions on this subject. Ruth Bader Ginsberg may provide a refreshing view on the case Obergefell v. Hodges but I confess that I would worry about the outcome of a public referendum on the subject in the US at this particular moment. In Ireland - in this moment - it's being put to the people (sorry, The People) to decide.
I post this because I know that there are 40 million (well, 39.6 by the most recently available census data) Irish-Americans, many of whom are forward-thinking individuals like the frequenters of this site, and who are people who have friends and family Back Home with whom they maintain contact.
I would like to ask that those of you who believe in Marriage Equality take a moment to give a call, send a message on Facebook, Skype, Twitter, etc., or drop an email to their contacts Back Home and implore them to step up in this historic moment.
Thank you, and may Equality win the day.