@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality In a Republic based on equal citizenship civil marriage should be open to all citizens. In 2015 we will all be asked to vote on whether lesbian and gay people should have the same constitutional status that is available to all others.

The Wording The proposed wording of the referendum has been released by the Government. It consists of an addition to Article 41 of the Constitution. It reads as follows: ”Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.” The wording is very clear, straightforward and easy to understand. It does not alter any existing language in the Constitution.

Contents: • The Campaign: Pledge to Vote • Running Your Own Event • Campaign Resources • Contact Information

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality The Campaign:

The goals of the campaign are:

To increase voter turnout in the upcoming We aim to be a resource to support the civil 1 referendum marriage equality campaign of other LGBT organizations, political parties, trade unions and supporters of equality. Together we can explain To increase levels of awareness about civil to people why marriage matters to all of Irish 2 marriage equality society including lesbian and gay people. We hope that this campaign will be a significant step To take the opportunity to set a positive tone in in helping to make that a reality in engaging all 3 the run up to the referendum our allies. By getting people to pledge to vote we increase their likelihood of voting, increase their To motivate and mobilize early supporters of engagement with the Yesequality campaign and 4 equality build the capacity of people to move from being supporters to persuaders.

To empower young people to be agents of 5 change @YesEquality @YesEquality2015 To provide pathways to join the campaign YesEquality 6 Building a Pledge to Vote Campaign or Event You can get involved and engage your campus/ workplace/town centre by running a ‘Pledge To Vote’ event.

Your event should:

Encourage people to make their pledge to vote. Provide a pathway for people to join the 1 Having people sign the pledge to vote ballot 4 campaign. The type of event you choose to cards and placing them in the YesEquality run will depend on the resources available to “ballot box” or making their pledge via the you. For larger events the key elements are; pledge to vote Facebook app will allow them to engaged, positive and informed volunteers; make their pledge either on paper or online in access to the pledge to vote app and pledge to the easiest possible manner. vote ballot cards so people can actively make their pledge and also let others know that they Raise awareness about the importance of civil will be turning out to vote in the referendum 2 Marriage equality, the reasons why it matters this coming May. and address questions people may have.

Supporters can make their pledge and find 3 out more about the referendum as well as upcoming events at YesEquality.ie. You can also collect supporter email addresses for campaign updates and information on the referendum. @YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality Pledge to Vote – the process

Ask people if they have made their pledge to vote.

If they haven’t yet pledged to Vote You can ask them to fill out the pledge to vote ballot card and pop it in the pledge to vote ballot box. Alternatively they can make their pledge online using the pledge to vote app. By using the facebook app they can choose to tell their facebook friends that they have made the pledge. Remember, the more people who know about the campaign, the more people can make the pledge.

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality RUNNING YOUR OWN EVENT

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality Your Campaign Pack:

I’m going to vote

I want to help

email______

You can also Pledge to Vote online

T-Shirts Hi-Vis Bib Ballot Box Pledge Card Stickers x5 colours

Pull-up stand Lapel badge Button badges (A hi-resolution pop-up template is available for groups/organizations who wish to A REFERENDUM CAN BE LOST BY ONE VOTE produce their own pop-up stand, please contact [email protected] for more).

MAKE YOURS COUNT. Pledge to Vote at YesEquality.ie

Badges Posters (included in pack) Posters @YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality contact [email protected] to order the above VOTE COUNT. YOURS LOST BY ONE BY LOST Pledge to Vote at YesEquality.ie Pledge to Vote @YesEquality MAKE @YesEquality2015 A REFERENDUM CAN BE Y BE CAN esEquality REFERENDUM A VOTE COUNT. YOURS LOST BY ONE BY LOST Pledge to Vote at YesEquality.ie Pledge to Vote @YesEquality MAKE @YesEquality2015 A REFERENDUM CAN BE Y BE CAN esEquality REFERENDUM A VOTE COUNT. YOURS LOST BY ONE BY LOST Pledge to Vote at YesEquality.ie Pledge to Vote @YesEquality MAKE @YesEquality2015 A REFERENDUM CAN BE Y BE CAN esEquality REFERENDUM A Steps to Setting up Your Campaign College Campaign:

Link in with relevant college authorities to Pledge To Vote ballot cards and a Pledge 1 give your campaign greater impact. 7 To Vote ballot box – aim to get as many Counselling/Welfare services should be people as possible to make the pledge and included. This issue may cause anxiety to place the ballot card in the Pledge To Vote students coming to terms with their own ballot box sexuality. Details of on-campus services and the LGBT Helpline number could be included on SU notice boards – locate and get sign off social media posts/ materials 8 to pin event/campaign posters around the campus Consider the best location for your event/ information stand 2 Social Media – Post event details to social 9 media one week/one day before the event. Gain permission from the relevant office Post throughout the day of the event with 3 photos and updates Recruit a team of volunteers 4 Selfie– Print the pledge to vote poster in this pack and photograph students Arrange a staff briefing in advance of the event 10 5 to make sure everyone is up to speed on key that have pledged to vote. Post photos to information Facebook and encourage students to tag themselves

Laptop and wifi – desirable so that a person 6 can pledge to vote online using the pledge to Added Extras – invite dance/ music soc to vote app 11 perform at the event to create a buzz and engagement

@YesEquality Local/On-Campus Businesses – can be @YesEquality2015 12 approached to supply goodies to attract YesEquality students to your stand I’m Going to Vote x Steps to Setting up Your Campaign Work Place Campaign:

Link in with your Human Resources In smaller workplaces ask permission to 1 Department. Employee welfare is one of this 4 circulate details of the campaign by email department’s responsibilities so they may be able to offer support Remember face to face works best so start 5 a discussion with colleagues Gain permission from Building Services or 2 the relevant office to set up a stand. Choose Organise a cake sale/ sponsored a high traffic area like your staff canteen over 6 lunchtime walk to support the Yes Equality lunchtime campaign and to build awareness. You can find details of how to donate here at the Ask for permission to post details of the website www.yesequality.ie 3 campaign to your staff intranet Provide details of LGBT helpline numbers 7 and employee counselling services if available

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality Steps to Setting up Your Campaign Public Space or Community Group:

Pledge to Vote events can take place at public Arrange a staff briefing in advance of the 1 spaces or with community groups – e.g. 5 event to make sure that everyone is up to youth groups or at community centres or speed on key information and messages events

Pledge To Vote ballot cards and a Pledge Consider the best location for your event 6 To Vote ballot box – aim to get as many 2 if a public event – e.g. shopping centre or people as possible to make the pledge and public street place the ballot card in the Pledge To Vote ballot box Gain permission from the relevant 3 authorities – e.g. shopping centre Social Media – post event details to social management or check with local Gardaí 7 media one week/day before the event. for public events, or for community events, Post throughout the event with photos and with the relevant leaders, management or updates venue owners

Photo Ops – if possible, arrange photo Recruit a team of volunteer staff 8 opportunities with well known people in 4 your locality to promote the Pledge to Vote campaign and share pics on social media. Print the Pledge to Vote posters in this pack for a branded photo op

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality CHECK THE REGISTER

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality Check The Register!

Voting In order for someone to be included in the supplementary register they must fill out an Who can vote? application form (RFA2) while in the presence of In a referendum to change the Constitution all Irish a member of An Garda Siochana. The Garda must citizens who are resident in the State and over the then sign, date and stamp the form. Remember that age of 18 and on the register of electors are entitled people may be required to show photo ID when to vote. signing this form. It can then be sent Freepost to the How to check the register. relevant local authority office. A full list is included If someone is not sure if they are registered to vote below. then they should check the register. This can be Application for getting on the supplementary done at www.CheckTheRegister.ie. If they are not register must be received by your local authority’s registered then they cannot vote in the referendum. registration office at least 15 days before polling day If someone is not registered. (remember this does not include Sundays, Good Don’t worry – there is another opportunity Friday or Public Holidays) in order to be considered If someone is not on the register yet, there is still eligible to vote in the referendum on civil marriage an opportunity to be added to the supplementary equality. register of electors. It’s a simple, straightforward process but it’s essential that you carry out these steps so that you have the choice to vote in the referendum. Once the legislation authorising the referendum is passed by the Oireachtas you will be able to apply to be added to a supplementary register. Keep an eye on our Facebook, Twitter and Ezine for more information about the timeline for the legislation and how to register to vote.

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality

RFA2

______

5).

 

(besides those given at 2 and and 2 at given those (besides ______

201 4 Register of Electors EU country

-

/201 6 ) the opt out box below (see note (see below box out opt the ) 5

September 

st

a British citizen ofa National a non

______  

r, please tick (

 

______

: ______: ______from thefrom edited registe

ls such as Snr., Jnr., other name or an initial if there is another person with the same same the with person another is there if initial an or name other Jnr., Snr., as such ls

) one box only to indicate whether you are/were: you whether indicate to only box one )

excluded 

) one box only to indicate whether you are: you whether to indicate only box one )

re/were registered as an elector, please state address of registration: ______registration: of address state please elector, an as registered re/were  formerly registered as an elector an as registered formerly currently registered as an elector an as registered currently elector an as registered never Opt Out Box (BLOCK LETTERS): (other than UK) than (other a Citizen of Ireland ofa National another EU State (BLOCK LETTERS) (BLOCK Application for inclusion in Supplement to 201 to Supplement in inclusion for Application Please Read The Notes Carefully Before Completing The Form The Completing Before Carefully Notes The Read Please

______Please tickPlease ( If you a

6), details: please give [Please include other detai ______number: phone Daytime ______3): (see note birth of Date address? ______above at the residence ordinary up take did you When ______address? current to your prior immediately resident ordinarily you were Where ______If ordinarilyyou were resident anyat other address(es) since 1 ______RegisterEdited first name and surname living at the same address] same the at living surname and name first Address Address If you wish tobe Name Please tickPlease ( (a)

(b)

.

2. 5. 1. 10 ______

3. 8. 4.

9. 6.

7.

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality

see note see note 6.

-

note 6). note

– Stamp r local Garda Station Station Stamp Registration Authority Authority Registration

if are to you unable comply with

- ______ONLY Garda Síochána you at Garda

______

if if areyou tounable comply 12(a)with above.

ONLY :______: : ______Date: ______Date: ______

atisfied to the of identity myself as the applicant 11signedhas section who in my

. note 6) ornote in the presence of a Registration Authority Official (section 12(b)

-

______

(BLOCK LETTERS) (BLOCK (BLOCK LETTERS) (BLOCK ______(first ______(surname) name) (first ______Please this have completedsection a at a Garda by memberGarda Station the of Síochána Please thishave completedsection 12(a) orillness above 12(b) or due to physical physical disability.

______Garda: of Signature Name Number: Garda ______Rank: ______Date: Telephone:______Station: Garda local at be completed not could form why Reason ______official: Authority Registration of Signature Name: ______Grade: ______disability: physical or illness physical of extent and Nature ______Expected illness duration of or______disability: ______Practitioner: Medical Registered of Signature Address:______Date: Medical Certificate (section 12(a)(section

This sectionThis bemust signed in presencethe of a member of the the to Supplement the in included be to apply I and true be to I supplied have information the believe I Register of Electors ______Date: ______of Applicant: Signature (a) (c) Pleasethis section have completed a by practitionermedical Declaration of Identity Certificate (b) presence or I certify that I have satisfied myself that the applicant who has signed section 11 in my presence is presence my in 11 section signed has who applicant the that myself satisfied I have that I certify or presence as: Ireland in authorities immigration the to known I that have s I certify

11. 12.

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality

RFA2

the full

-

by post or by see 10 below).

- n details to be included included to be n details ter of electors, you may may you electors, ter of

regis Register of of Electors Register

6

/201 6 5 /201 her identification supporting to assist 5

Notes pt of applications and ending on polling day. It would be of would be applications of on polling and of ending day. It pt signed by each person applying for inclusion in the supplement. each for person in supplement. by inclusion signed applying the

other statutory purpose e.g. for direct marketing use by a commercial a commercial use by for direct marketing e.g. purpose other statutory

at section 10 of the form. If you want your registratio your you want If form. the of 10 section at

at your local Garda station. If the Garda is satisfied as to your identify, they will they identify, the Garda is as to your satisfied If station. local Garda at your

statutory uses), you should leave the opt out box blank. box out the opt leave should you uses), statutory If you do not want your details to be included on the edited register, you should should you register, edited be included on the to details do not you want your If contains the names and addresses of persons whose details can be used for a for a used be can details whose of persons addresses and the names contains -

box

Síochána

opt out opt da ) the PLEASE READ THE NOTES CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THE FORM COMPLETING BEFORE CAREFULLY THE NOTES READ PLEASE  edited register edited

sign, date sectionsign, necessary, 12(a) and stamp bethe photographic of form. identificationIf may such some identificationrequired should and ot bring and you 18 years of age (see note 3); (see 3); note of age years 18 and registered; to be wish you at which the address resident at ordinarily of address a change of in the case (except elector as an registered already not of member of a the presence in signed be must form application of the 11 section at The declaration the Gar are be witnessed unableyou If form tomay local at Garda offices attendthe your Station, the the of be completed.registrationof must form must such theYou andcases section authority in 12(b) the Garda.

) (b) If you are qualified as an elector and your name is not on the 201 is not name areand electoryour qualifiedasyou an If are the to supplement register. electors whose names included Eligible in a to touse apply be this form included in the will supplement be entitled to at vote an election held or referendum the during lifetime of the register. To be included inyou must supplement, be: the relationIn a person to above, 2(a) will be in eligible for the entry to supplement the register on or after that day falls such period including the within of age years reaches eighteen on the person which the day on the lastbeginning forrecei the day Identity of Declaration/Certificate assistance in considering an application from a person reaching 18 years if the form is accompanied by a by is accompanied if 18 the form years reaching a person from application an in considering assistance of a birthcopy certificatesimilar document. or (b (a) (c) (a)

purpose other than an electoral or The form must be sent or delivered by thedelivered applicantdirectly be to sentregistration by To authority. theTheform must or avoid indelay application, processing your sure to fully the make complete and form return it A separate form must be completed and completed be must form separate A deliver it Councilthe or forlive. toCounty City thewhich you in area register the of versions publish two to required are authorities registration Since 2004, register. edited and the register other or an electoral for be used only and can to vote entitled is who everyone lists register full The purpose. statutory The or other organisation. ( tick (i.e. available for non for available (i.e. Two versions Two ofversions the register Application for entry to the Supplement to the 201 to Supplement to the entry for Application

. . 2

1 6. 4. 5.

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 3.

YesEquality t

will will

Change of

– Do not use this form: a separate not this form: separate use a Do not until be processed after polling

ion authority offices due to physical illness illness physical to due offices authority ion in order to be considered for inclusion in the orderfor be in consideredin to inclusion the

day

before the fourteenth day (Sundays, public holidays false information. ve istration authority for purpose (Form this RFA3

ate, why in writing, you cannot attend local your Garda Station. Photographic identification and

other identification supporting documentation should beto brought the registration authority.

st cannot attendyou If local your Garda station registrat or or physical disability section you mustcompleted have form 12(c)by a the of practitioner.medical

Address). If you are applying after an election or referendum has been called, please note that the application mus the application that note called, please been has or referendum election after an are applying you If reach or the concerned City and Good Friday excluded) before polling will applications Late or referendum. for that election supplement application application.is your Where as on your the possible will ofruling You quickly be as notified The supplement registrar. to the county ruling the to appeal against right the refused, will have you be published beforethe day at in period immediately an theelection polling or referendum. is the an registration offenceIt required give information fail orregistrar authority for to to county any the purposetheir of togi duties knowingly or authority or local Dáil one from residence moved have and of electors the register are on you If constituency to another apply you for entrymay to the supplement. form isfrom available reg your day. (c) 10.

7. 9. @YesEquality 8. @YesEquality2015 YesEquality Where to Send the Register to Vote forms

County Councils , John St, Kilkenny , Riverside, Sligo Ph: +353 (0)56 779 4000, Fax: +353 (0)56 779 4004, Ph: +353 (0)71 911 1111, Fax: +353 (0)71 914 1119, , County Offices, Athy Rd, Carlow Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Ph: +353 (0)59 9170300, Fax: +353 (0)59 914 1503, Email: [email protected] , Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co Laois South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Ph: +353 (0)57 866 4000, Fax: +353 (0)57 862 2313. Ph: +353 (0)1 414 9000, E-mail: [email protected] , Franham St, Cavan Contact Form (check website) Ph: +353 (0)49 437 8300, Fax: +353 (0)49 436 1565, Tipperary Co Council, Civic Offices, Clonmel Email: [email protected] , Áras an Chontae , Carrick-on-Shannon, Ph: +353 (0) 76 106 5000, Co. Leitrim E-mail: [email protected] , New Rd, Ennis, Co. Clare Ph: +353 (0)71 962 0005, Fax: +353 (0)71 962 1982, Ph: + 353 (0)65 682 1616, Fax: +353 (0)65 682 8233, Email: [email protected] Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, Email: [email protected] The Mall, Waterford Limerick City and County Council, Merchants Quay, Limerick Ph: +353 (0)76 110 2020, Fax: +353 (0)51 870 813 , , County Hall, Carrigrohane Road, Cork Ph: +353 (0)61 407 120, Fax: +353 (0)61 407 435, E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] Ph: +353 (0)21 427 6891, Fax: +353 (0)21 427 6321, [email protected] (check website) , County Buildings, Mullingar, , Great Water St, Longford Co Westmeath , County House, The Diamond, Ph: +353 (0)43 334 3300, Fax: +353 (0)43 334 1233, Ph: +353 (0)44 933 2000, Fax: +353 (0)44 933 2000, Lifford, Co. Donegal Email: [email protected] , [email protected] Contact Form (see website) Ph: +353 (0)74 915 3900 , Fax: +353 (0)74 917 2812, Email: [email protected] , Millenium Centre, Dundalk, Co Louth County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford Ph: +353 (0)42 933 5457, Fax: +353 (0)42 933 4549, Email: info@ Ph: +353 (0)53 919 6000, Fax: +353 (0)53 919 6055, Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown, County Hall, Marine Rd, louthcoco.ie Email: [email protected] Dun Laoghaire Ph: +353 (0)1 205 4700, Fax: +353 (0)1 298 6827, , The Mall, , Co Mayo , County Buildings, Whitegates, Wicklow Email: [email protected] Ph: +353 (0)94 904 7600. Email List (check website) Ph: +353 (0)404 20100 , Fax: +353 (0)404 67792, Email: [email protected] , County Hall, Main St, Swords, Co. Dublin , County Hall, Railway Street, Navan, Ph: +353 (0)1 890 5000, Email: [email protected] Co Meath City Councils Ph: +353 (0)46 909 7000, Fax: +353 (0)46 909 7001, Email: info@ , Áras an Chontae, County Hall, meathcoco.ie , City Hall, Anglesea St,Cork Prospect Hill, Galway Ph: +353 (0)21 496 6222, Fax: +353 (0)21 431 4238, Ph: +353 (0)91 509 000, Fax: +353 (0)91 509 010, , Council Offices, The Glen, Monaghan Email Directory (check website): E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected] Ph: + 353 (0)47 30500, Fax: +353 (0)47 82739, Email: [email protected] , [email protected] , Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 , County Buildings, Rathass, Tralee, Ph: +353 (0)1 222 2222, Email: [email protected] Co. Kerry , Áras an Chontae, Charleville Rd, Ph: +353 (0)66 718 3500, Fax: +353 (0)66 712 2466, Tullamore, Co. Offaly , City Hall, College Road, Galway Email: [email protected] Ph: +353 (0)57 934 6800, Fax: +353 (0)57 9346868, Ph: +353 (0)91 536 400, Fax: +353 (0)91 567 493, Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] , Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare , Courthouse, Roscommon Ph: +353 (0)45 980 200, Fax: +353 (0)45 980 240, Email: Ph: +353 (0)906 63 2500, Fax: +353 (0)906 63 7108, [email protected] Email: [email protected] , customerservice@ roscommoncoco.ie RESOURCES

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality Building our support base Our Constitution Our Constitution gives special status and standing to We know that there are many supporters of equality civil marriage, providing recognition, protection and out there but they do not know how to get involved. dignity to all married couples. The referendum gives It is really important that we do all that we can to get us a chance to extend this constitutional protection people engaged at this stage and we would ask that to lesbian and gay relationships, with all the rights you get as many people to pledge to vote as possible. and responsibilities, status, protection and dignity There are several key ways to do this: which that entails. • The Yes Equality Facebook Page • The Yes Equality Facebook App Civil Partnership • The Yes Equality website Civil partnership was a significant advance and couples across every county in Ireland have entered Why marriage matters civil partnerships. However, civil partnership falls Marriage is about two people who love each other short of full constitutional equality. Only civil and want to commit to each other. In a republic marriage equality can achieve this. based on equal citizenship civil marriage should be Progress for all open to all, including lesbians and gay men. The referendum offers us all the chance to decide Love and Commitment what kind of country we wish to live in. Extending civil Civil marriage is a symbol of the love two people have marriage to gay and lesbian couples takes from no for each other and the profound commitment they one and makes our society better, fairer and more wish to make to each other. Being able to marry the inclusive for all person you love matters to lesbian and gay people and their families. Equality & Fairness Civil marriage should be open to all loving couples who wish to make such a commitment to each other.

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality Tone and Language We believe that the case for equal constitutional status for LGBT people is a powerful one. Changing the constitution is an important decision. It is right that people would consider the issue and we must be welcoming of that discussion. We must always be positive and engaging to all who have questions to ask about why this is important. With this in mind it is critical that our supporters are at all times positive, engaging and understanding as we work to persuade people and address any questions they might have. These questions may be around religion, children or the need for civil marriage when civil partnership for same sex couples has been legalised. We have included the key reasons for equal access to civil marriage in our literature and we will have a section on frequently asked questions on our website. If you are asked a question that you are unsure about check our website or alternatively please do not hesitate to contact our offices and we will do our best to help. If you are asked a question which we haven’t addressed in our material or on our website call us and tell us as it is crucial that we can develop responses to questions as they arise.

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality CONTACT INFORMATION

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality Campaign Contact Details

To contact the Yes Equality campaign contact [email protected], 01-7030412, www.yesequality.ie or www.facebook.com/yesequality

Help and Support for LGBT people There are many sources of support for LGBT people around the country, including on-campus welfare services and LGBT groups. Be aware that some people engaging with the pledge to vote campaign may also be coming to terms with their sexual orientation or gender identity, and may benefit from support. You can find information on local support services here http://lgbt.ie/get-support.aspx and the main Helplines are LGBT Helpline 1890 929 539 or Gay Switchboard Ireland at (01) 8721055.

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality THANK YOU

@YesEquality @YesEquality2015 YesEquality