GPA and WGPA back Yes Vote in Marriage Referendum

The Gaelic Players Association and the Women’s Gaelic Players Association are advocating a Yes Vote in the forthcoming Marriage Referendum and will be supporting the YesEquality Campaign over the coming weeks.

 

The decision by the GPA to support the campaign was taken independently by the Association following consultation with the GPA’s National Executive and the wider membership. GPA members were consulted two months ago with information about the Referendum and last week the membership was canvassed regarding the GPA’s public stance on the issue. The result of that player poll was an overwhelming endorsement – by a ratio of six to one – in favour of the GPA supporting the Yes Campaign.

 

Commenting on the GPA’s decision chief executive Dessie Farrell said: “The decision to support the YesEquality Campaign was very much directed by the GPA membership who provided a powerful mandate for action. Of course there are differing views within the playing body as there are in society in general but we believe that by endorsing the Yes campaign we are providing active representation for our players while also acting in accordance with our principles as an organisation.”

 

Working in the same context as the GPA, the WGPA Executive consulted members on providing public support for the Marriage Referendum.  Members indicated that they were very much in favour of the WGPA taking a definitive stance on this debate with 97% in favour of a statement of support from the association for marriage equality. 

 

WGPA Chairperson Aoife Lane commented: “The WGPA is committed to achieving equality for women in sport and in this instance, is keen to support marriage equality for women and men.  The WGPA is working to help members achieve happiness and fulfilment on and off the field; a Yes vote provides a further opportunity for all players as well as family members and friends to achieve this.”

 

The GPA have stated they are "acutely aware that there are differing opinions within the membership and encourages all members to support their individual principles on May 22. However, the Association leadership felt that the issue of Marriage Equality was of serious importance to an organisation representing young athletes and thus required action on its part."