CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane penned an eloquent letter in Dublin’s Sunday World publically voicing his support for a marriage equality referendum in his native Ireland.
The captain and all-time leading goal scorer for the Republic of Ireland announced that he is “strongly supporting a ‘YES’ vote” for the May 22nd referendum. If passed, the measure would change the Irish constitution to permit same-sex marriages.
“My own personal view is that changing our Constitution on this issue is the right decision as it will give people the choice and opportunity to marry, irrespective of the fact that they may wish to marry someone of the same gender,” wrote Keane.
“Marriage equality is an easy answer for me and will show the world that Ireland is a compassionate country that [recognizes] and accepts diversity, and most importantly treats its citizens equally.”
Due to his commitments with the Galaxy, the reigning Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player will not be able to head to the ballot box on May 22, but he implored his nation to allow everyone to have the right to marry.
“Most of us will have friends or family who, up to now, have been denied the right to marry their loved ones or have been made to feel excluded because of their sexuality,” Keane wrote. “To me, this feels wrong. I am a very proud Irishman and it is important to me that our country does, and is seen to, treat all of its citizens on equal footing.
“The rules of the game should be the same for all, no matter what team is right for you.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
