Ireland votes for same-sex marriage

The crowd at Dublin Castle Square cheers as the result of the same-sex marriage referendum is relayed. Ireland voted in favor.

(Charles McQuillan / Getty Images)

May 22, 2015 9:18 AM PT

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Ireland has become the first country to legalize gay marriage through a popular vote, defying the Roman Catholic Church in a landslide victory to change the constitution of the traditionally conservative nation.

Irish vote on same-sex marriage initiative

Some of the thousands celebrating in Dublin Castle Square.

(Charles McQuillan / Getty Images)

“Yes” supporters celebrate at Dublin Castle over Ireland’s same-sex marriage referendum.

(Peter Morrison / Associated Press)

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny and Irish Deputy Prime Minister Joan Burton await the result of the same-sex marriage referendum outside Dublin Castle.

(Ian Kington / AFP/Getty Images)

Jamie Nanci, left, and Michael Barron, who were married in Cape Town, South Africa, enjoy the atmosphere at the count center in Dublin, Ireland.

(Charles McQuillan / Getty Images)

A woman walks past a mural with a pro same-sex marriage theme in Dublin, Ireland.

(Aidan Crawley / EPA)

A couple leaves a polling station after voting in Dublin. Ireland took to the polls to decide if same-sex marriage should be legalized.

(Paul Faith / AFP/Getty Images)

Newly married Anne and Vincent Fox kiss to celebrate their wedding and also to show their support for same-sex marriage before voting in Dublin, Ireland.

(Charles McQuillan / Getty Images)