爱尔兰就同性恋婚姻合法化举行公投

For months, Ireland has debated whether to legalize gay marriage. Now it's time to vote, and the choice is a simple yes or no.

爱尔兰就是否规定同性恋婚姻合法化问题已经争论了数月之久。现在终于开始了投票，而选项也非常简单，“是”还是“否”。

Friday's referendum on amending the Irish constitution to give marriage rights to homosexuals is expected to be approved, based on all opinion polls that have given "yes" voters a double-digit lead throughout the two-month campaign.

周五的公投显示修改爱尔兰法律认定同性恋婚姻合法规定有望通过。根据民意调查在两个月的辩论中支持婚姻合法化的投票以两位数领先。

But government officials and gay rights activists are expressing caution given Ireland's track record in producing surprise referendum results. They say achieving a high voter turnout is crucial, particularly among younger citizens who traditionally don't vote in great numbers. Leaders of the country's dominant faith, Roman Catholicism, have fueled opposition to the measure.

但是政府方面和同性恋权利活动者表示对这种小道消息还是不要太认真。他们说最后获得较高的投票才是最关键的，尤其是年轻选民，传统上这类选民的投票数量都不是很高。爱尔兰主要宗教天主教领袖完全不赞成这一做法。

Polls opened at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Results will be announced Saturday.

投票站在早上7点开门，晚上10点关门。投票结果将于周六宣布。