With the Marriage Equality Referendum only around the corner, a new online movement has begun to highlight the Irish voices abroad that will not be able to have their say on May 22nd. An estimated one million Irish citizens who live outside of Ireland are no longer eligible to vote and most will not be able to get home to vote.
Learn about Irish in Britain’s campaign for voting rights for Irish abroad here
Led by Ennis, Co. Clare natives Síomha Brock and Stephen Markham, who live in Vancouver and Dublin respectively, the idea for this campaign began with a group of Irish friends in Vancouver, Canada who wanted to create awareness for those voices that won’t be heard and encourage those back home to be their yes vote.
To coincide with their launch, ‘Be My Yes’ have created an online video featuring clips from Irish people across the globe, holding signs with the hash tag #BeMyYes. Edited by video producer Cory Philpott, the video features well–known Irish figures Laura Whitmore, James Vincent McMorrow and The Saw Doctors as well as rugby stars Peter Stringer, Jamie Hagan, Tomas O’Leary and Eamon Sheridan.
The video also contains an original song titled ‘Say Yes’ which was specifically written and produced for this campaign by singer songwriter Síomha Brock. The track was mixed by Kodaline producer, Philip Magee and mastered by Richard Dowling.
Commenting on behalf of the campaign, Stephen Markham said:
“This is not just about marriage and equal civil rights for all Irish citizens, this referendum is a unique opportunity for Irish society. A yes vote would see Ireland embracing all of its people. We will be telling tomorrow’s gay children not to be ashamed of who they are and that they can look forward to the same things in life as their friends. We realize that Irish all over the world want to have their say and we hope ‘Be My Yes’ can help convey their messages for positive change.”
With more videos to follow and a following that appears to be gaining more momentum everyday, it would appear this campaign is only getting started. You can get involved by submitting your own pictures and videos to bemyyes@gmail.com. ‘Be My Yes’ can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/bemyyes and on Twitter: @bemyyes