Ireland’s first openly gay prime minister resigns

Leo Varadkar announced he is stepping down as Taoiseach, after first taking the role in 2017

Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar announced that he is resigning from office immediately in a press conference Wednesday.

This is Leo Varadkar has served as Taoiseach (Ireland’s prime minister) in two stints dating back to 2017. He’s a doctor by trade, and came out as gay when he was a member of Irish parliament back in 2015, making him the first openly gay Taoiseach in the history of Ireland, a predominantly Roman Catholic country with a historically socially conservative electorate.

He leaves behind a fascinating legacy, including overseeing huge wins in Ireland for marriage equality and abortion rights. Senior editor Mel Woods breaks down what his resignation means.

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