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DUBLIN (AP) — Electoral figures announced today show that Irish voters have approved legalizing gay marriage by a landslide. Figures from yesterday's referendum show 62.1 percent of Irish voters said "yes."
Outside Dublin Castle, where the figures were announced, thousands of gay rights activists cheered, hugged and cried. The unexpectedly strong percentage of approval surprised both sides.
Prime Minister Enda Kenny welcomed the outcome, saying the vote shows that the Irish are "a generous, compassionate, bold and joyful people."
Ireland is the first country to approve gay marriage in a popular national vote. Nineteen other countries have legalized the practice.
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