Katherine Zappone
Katherine Zappone is an Irish politician and activist known for her significant role in the marriage equality movement in Ireland. Alongside her partner Ann Louise Gilligan, Zappone challenged the legal status of same-sex couples, paving the way for the successful referendum in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage in Ireland. Her advocacy has spanned decades, focusing on LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, making her a prominent figure in the fight for equality.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Katherine Zappone's botched attempt to be appointed as a UN special envoy caused significant controversy.
How Phil Hogan laid the groundwork for a possible comeback – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2026-03-07
Dunne presided over a significant case involving former minister Katherine Zappone.
‘Calm, thoughtful’ Supreme Court judge retires, creating one of two pending vacancies – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-20
Katherine Zappone is a former minister for children and youth affairs who has published a political memoir reflecting on her life and career.
‘I didn’t really realise how crazy you can become with grief’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-28
Katherine Zappone, the then minister for children, acknowledged the need for urgent reforms in the guardian system.
Unregulated court guardian service cost €21m last year – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-06-27
Katherine Zappone's legal battle for marriage equality was a significant catalyst for the marriage equality campaign in Ireland.
first same-sex couple to marry in Ireland say marriage equality ‘isn’t finished’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-23
Katherine Zappone is an independent politician and former government minister who played a significant role in the campaign for marriage equality in Ireland.
‘I burst out crying on referendum results day. I realised how exhausted and scared I had been’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-23
Katherine Zappone made the case in courts that same-sex couples deserved rights.
A boy sees us hold hands and says ‘I f***ing hate gay people’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-05-19