Same-sex marriage is now legal in the Republic of Ireland, after legislation passed by referendum in May came into effect Monday.<br />The Irish state became the first in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote when the Marriage Act 2015 was passed, reports the BBC.<br />Same-sex couples who have been wed abroad will now be legally recognized by the state, while gay and lesbian couples who want to marry will be able to do so.<br />People already in civil partnerships can now choose to wed as well.<br />The law will not affect the legal status of existing civil partners who do not want to get married.<br />The new act only applies to civil marriage, so any religious organization or Irish church that objects to the new law will not be forced to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies.
