First gay weddings in Ireland could take place in Autumn

U2 frontman Bono has celebrated Ireland's vote for gay marriage.

On the second night of their latest tour in the US, the star dedicated Pride (In The Name Of Love), one of the band's top hits, to mark the historic day.

On stage, in front of thousands, he said: "It's a moment for us to thank the people who bring us peace to our country. We have peace in Ireland today ...and in fact on this very day we have true equality in Ireland,"

Australia's political leaders on Sunday rejected the idea of a referendum on gay marriage following Ireland's successful vote.

When questioned on Sunday about whether Australia should have a referendum on the issue, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said it's a matter to be resolved in parliament.

Leader of the opposition Bill Shorten also supports a vote in parliament but is pushing for Tony Abbott to allow a conscience vote within his own party.

In 2012 the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted against legislation that would allow same sex couples to marry.

Forty two MPs voted in support of the bill while 98 voted against.

More: Celebrities take to Twitter to celebrate 'Yes' vote

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny today said the country's voice had been heard "loudly across the world" after it voted in favour of gay marriage in a national referendum.

He said: "With today's vote we have disclosed who we are - a generous, compassionate, bold and joyful people.

"Yes to inclusion, yes to generosity, yes to love, yes to equal marriage."

Almost two-thirds of voters backed a change in the constitution in the referendum.

ITV News Correspondent Duncan Golestani reports:

Crowds gathered at Dublin Castle cheer as the Yes vote for gay marriage is announced.

Ireland has become the first country in the world to adopt gay marriage by popular vote as 62 percent of the electorate backed a referendum, official results showed.

Some 1.2 million people backed the campaign to enshrine rights for same-sex couples in the Constitution, almost two thirds of those who voted.

More than 60 percent of eligible voters cast their ballot, the highest turnout at a referendum in the country in over two decades.

New laws on gay marriage will be put to the Dail parliament before the summer potentially paving the way for the first ceremonies to take place before the end of the year.