Amnesty International has launched their 'yes' campaign ahead of the upcoming same-sex marriage referendum.

The human rights organisation is calling for a Yes vote in the Marriage Equality referendum on the 22nd of May.

A public rally on the issue of same-sex marriage was held outside the GPO on O'Connell Street in Dublin this afternoon.

Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland Colm O'Gorman, says many parents and grandparents addressed today's rally:

Speaking about the campaign, Pat Carey, former Government Minister said, “people of my generation do have doubts but they are our greatest supporters when they are convinced. This is a campaign like any other - voters need to be asked. Irish people are used to being asked on the doorsteps for their vote. We must avail of every opportunity to make direct contact with voters.

"Sitting at home talking to each other or talking to people who are already convinced won’t win this referendum – conviction, hardwork and shoe leather will," he added.

The latest polls by Red C suggests 77 per cent of the Irish public will vote in favour of the constitutional amendment - however only 59 per cent hold a strong opinion on a yes vote.

Originally posted at 8.39am