What today's Irish gay marriage referendum actually says

The Irish Times notes that today's referendum on a gay marriage amendment to the constitution will not constitutionally redefine marriage, as the constitution does not define the institution and neither does the amendment. It will however stop further civil partnerships.

Voters will be asked whether the Constitution should be changed so as to extend civil marriage rights to same-sex couples. 
      The proposed amendment to article 41 is the insertion of the line:

“Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.”

     The Irish version, which takes precedence, reads:

“Féadfaidh beirt, gan beann ar a ngnéas, conradh pósta a dhéanamh de réir dlí.”

     If the proposal is passed, a marriage between two people of the same sex will have the same status under the Constitution as a marriage between a man and a woman.