Ireland Elects First Gay Prime Minister

(Image via Twitter)

Two years after becoming the first country to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote, Ireland just elected it's first openly gay Prime Minister.

In addition, the 38 year-old becomes Ireland's youngest leader ever as well as the first from an ethnic minority background.

From The Independent:

Leo Varadkar is the new leader of Fine Gael and on course to become Ireland’s first gay Taoiseach.

The Social Protection Minister got the support of 51 TDs, senators and MEP to get over the line despite losing the popular vote.

Massive cheers greeted Mr Varadkar as he arrived at the count centre in the Mansion House.

In his speech he declared Ireland a Republic that holds no prejudice.

He became emotional as he described how he was proud to live in a country where the son of an immigrant can become leader.

“Prejudice has no hold in this Republic,” he said, acknowledge that he is a gay man and the son of an Indian immigrant.

Ireland is on course to have its first openly gay Prime Minister - Leo Varadkar pic.twitter.com/Xy706J4zLo

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) June 2, 2017