Ireland is the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by referendum. Voters in Ireland overwhelmingly chose to change the constitution, becoming the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage through popular vote.
Talking to NRK, leader of Åpen Folkekirke, Sturla J. Stålsett believes that the referendum result in Ireland is also a clear call to the Norwegian Church to introduce a liturgy for same-sex marriage.
Stålsett hopes that Norway will open same-sex marriage discussion after the Church elections in autumn. He notes many of the church members voted yes during the referendum in Ireland. This is precisely why he believes the message is so clear.
The church election in 2015 in Norway will be held simultaneously with county and municipal elections on 13 and 14 September. NRK writes that a church election has never before resembled a political decision.