The Republic of Ireland held a referendum leading to the legalization of same-sex marriage on May 22, becoming the first country to send an amendment apropos the issue to popular vote.

Elections official Ríona Ní Fhlanghaile announced the results of the historic vote on May 23 during a press conference at Dublin Castle. Irish voters recorded a 62.1 percent majority in favor of legalization, which fell just short of widely-reported projections of 65 to 70 percent. CNN reports that, 1,201,607 voted in favor of legalization, with 734,300 voting in opposition.

Irish law dictates that amendments not in accordance with the current constitution be approved by simple majority, or a single vote over 50 percent. Ireland extends voting rights to all its citizens over the age of 18, and polls were kept open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to allow students, workers and commuters the chance to vote. Country-wide voter turnout was reported at just over 60 percent.

Mataan Peer (10) commented on the ballot’s results, voicing his support.

“Well I’m pro-free choice in marriage, so good for them, and all the gay couples in Ireland,” Mataan said.

Ireland, with its principally Catholic populace, has long-since been viewed as particularly traditional. Many believe that the country has set a precedent in its espousement of gay marriage.

“I think that this is wonderful news,” Maya Rai (10) said. “Every time one country legalizes same-sex marriage we are all one step closer to changing the world.”

At the poll, voters cast their ballots in favor of or against the following section.

Owing to the landmark referendum’s outcome, voters have approved the 34th amendment to the Irish Constitution, known as the Marriage Equality Bill of 2015. The Justice Department will publish a marriage bill this week, and the constitution will theoretically be revised by June with an addendum to Article 41, which codifies the country’s familial law. Article 41 was last modified in 1995, after Irish voters approved the legalization of divorce.

Marriages for same-sex couples are expected to occur as early as the summer of 2015.

Ireland’s legal history referencing homosexuality spans several decades. Previously considered by Ireland as unconstitutional, homosexuality was only decriminalized in 1993. In 2011, the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act was passed, allowing same-sex couples to unite in civil ceremonies. Though the act did allow many couples to enter civil partnerships, it did not afford the rights and protections of marriage itself.

Ireland has joined a group of 18 other countries that have legalized gay marriage: the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Argentina, Denmark, France, Brazil, Uruguay, New Zealand, Britain, Luxembourg and Finland. While certain regions of the U.S. and Mexico have also legalized gay marriage, both countries have yet to constitutionally recognize same-sex unions.

Several prominent Irish politicians past and present have advocated for a “Yes” vote, including Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny and former Irish President Mary McAleese.

“With today’s vote, we have disclosed who we are: a generous, compassionate, bold and joyful people,” Kenny said in a speech directed towards the crowd surrounding Dublin Castle.

Tamlyn Doll (10), a proponent of same-sex marriage, echoed Maya’s sentiment.

“I think it’s great that Ireland legalized same-sex marriage, and hopefully other countries will look at them and follow by example,” Tamlyn said. “There are so many people in the world that deserve to be with who they love, and I hope that one day it can be legal everywhere.”

Northern Ireland, which is under separate jurisdiction, has yet to legalize gay marriage, and now is reportedly under pressure to let the proposed measure go it popular vote.