Menu
23/09/2016
Call For NI To Legalise Equal Marriage
Northern Ireland needs to legalise equal marriage as soon as possible, according to the Alliance Party.
The party made the call after the government of Guernsey recognised the rights of all citizens to be married.
Alliance's MLA Naomi Long said: "The Netherlands was the first country to introduce equal marriage in 2001, and since then more than 20 other countries have taken this progressive step. In 2014 England, Wales and Scotland introduced equal marriage, with the Republic of Ireland following in 2015.
"It is embarrassing to all democrats that Northern Ireland is the only region of these islands to deny a basic human right to its citizens. I believe a majority of people support the introduction of equal marriage. In order to bring this about I am working closely with a cross party group of MLAs who share that commitment and who want to co-operate in bringing a Private Members Bill to the Assembly. Work is well underway with those in the LGBT sector and we now have a draft bill, which we hope can pave the way for a change in the law here."
(CD)
The party made the call after the government of Guernsey recognised the rights of all citizens to be married.
Alliance's MLA Naomi Long said: "The Netherlands was the first country to introduce equal marriage in 2001, and since then more than 20 other countries have taken this progressive step. In 2014 England, Wales and Scotland introduced equal marriage, with the Republic of Ireland following in 2015.
"It is embarrassing to all democrats that Northern Ireland is the only region of these islands to deny a basic human right to its citizens. I believe a majority of people support the introduction of equal marriage. In order to bring this about I am working closely with a cross party group of MLAs who share that commitment and who want to co-operate in bringing a Private Members Bill to the Assembly. Work is well underway with those in the LGBT sector and we now have a draft bill, which we hope can pave the way for a change in the law here."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 February 2018
NI Same-Sex Marriage Could Be Passed At Westminster - Karen Bradley
Secretary of State Karen Bradley has said if same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland was to be raised at Westminster it is the government's policy to allow a free vote on matters of conscience. She was replying to a question from Labour MP Conor McGinn who asked if she would bring forward legislative proposals on equal marriage in the region.
NI Same-Sex Marriage Could Be Passed At Westminster - Karen Bradley
Secretary of State Karen Bradley has said if same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland was to be raised at Westminster it is the government's policy to allow a free vote on matters of conscience. She was replying to a question from Labour MP Conor McGinn who asked if she would bring forward legislative proposals on equal marriage in the region.
02 August 2016
Scottish Conservative Party Leader To Deliver Speech At Belfast Pride
Scottish Conservative Party leader Ruth Davidson is to give a lecture on marriage equality as part of the Belfast Pride Festival. Ms Davidson, who recently got engaged to her partner Jen Wilson, said she was "honoured" to be asked to give a speech.
Scottish Conservative Party Leader To Deliver Speech At Belfast Pride
Scottish Conservative Party leader Ruth Davidson is to give a lecture on marriage equality as part of the Belfast Pride Festival. Ms Davidson, who recently got engaged to her partner Jen Wilson, said she was "honoured" to be asked to give a speech.
09 July 2019
MPs Set To Vote On Same-Sex Marriage
MPs in Westminster are set to vote this afternoon, 09 July, on whether or not to legalise same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland. A debate on the matter came about as a bill to keep the region running in the absence of Stormont's devolved government advances through Parliament.
MPs Set To Vote On Same-Sex Marriage
MPs in Westminster are set to vote this afternoon, 09 July, on whether or not to legalise same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland. A debate on the matter came about as a bill to keep the region running in the absence of Stormont's devolved government advances through Parliament.
29 March 2018
Bill For Same-Sex Marriage In NI Passes First Stage
A bill for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland has passed the first stage. Labour MP Conor McGinn, originally from Armagh, raised the private member's bill at the House of Commons and he later joined campaigners who were delivering a petition to 10 Downing Street.
Bill For Same-Sex Marriage In NI Passes First Stage
A bill for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland has passed the first stage. Labour MP Conor McGinn, originally from Armagh, raised the private member's bill at the House of Commons and he later joined campaigners who were delivering a petition to 10 Downing Street.
09 March 2017
Same-Sex Marriage Must Be A 'Litmus Test' For New Executive
Campaigners have said a commitment to deliver same-sex marriage must be a litmus test for any new Northern Ireland government. The campaigners, from the Love Equality coalition, said they believed there was now a clear majority of MLAs in the newly-elected Assembly in favour of equal marriage.
Same-Sex Marriage Must Be A 'Litmus Test' For New Executive
Campaigners have said a commitment to deliver same-sex marriage must be a litmus test for any new Northern Ireland government. The campaigners, from the Love Equality coalition, said they believed there was now a clear majority of MLAs in the newly-elected Assembly in favour of equal marriage.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
