‘Yes for marriage, yes for business, yes for Ireland’ – An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD

150 leaders from the worlds of tech, business and politics came together on 16 April for Business for Yes, to explain why a Yes vote in the upcoming marriage referendum is essential for Ireland’s tech business future.

Hosted by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN), the Tech Leaders’ Business Case for Marriage Equality event brought together a collection of some of Ireland’s leading influencers, who came together to discuss the case for why a country with equal marriage rights for all is not only a sound societal decision, but one which will ensure Ireland’s place as a leader for tech business.

Among those in attendance at the event, held in the Digital Exchange building in the Digital Hub, Dublin, was Silicon Republic CEO and editor-at-large, Ann O’Dea; Twitter Ireland’s managing director Stephen McIntyre; Chris Horn, co-founder and former chair and CEO of IONA Technologies and now partner at Atlantic Bridge Capital. and John Hamill, CEO and co-founder at Vennetics.

GLEN’s chairperson, Kieran Rose, introduced An Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the event, saying of his participation: “We welcome the unequivocal support of An Taoiseach and leading voices of Irish business, from Twitter to Ibec and the Irish Congress for Trade Unions, for marriage equality as being good for employees, good for business and good for Ireland”.

Using the memorable slogan “yes for marriage, yes for business, yes for Ireland”, An Taoiseach said of the Government’s decision to back marriage equality: “Ireland’s welcoming reputation should extend to being an open, tolerant and compassionate home for our gay and lesbian workers. Civil marriage equality will further promote Ireland as a leading place to work and do business.”

“The tech industry understands the strong link between innovation and diversity and has long supported marriage equality for lesbian and gay couples,” added O’Dea, who then chaired a panel discussion at the event.