Menu
22/10/2019
Same-Sex Marriage & Abortion Legalised
Radical reform of local restrictions on abortion and same-sex marriage took affect at midnight on Monday, prompting celebrations across the LGBT community.
The changes were brought in through amendments tabled by two Labour MPs to a bill passed in the House of Commons in July.
The legislation placed a deadline of 21 October for power-sharing to be restored or the UK Government would be bound to act.
While an attempt was made during a recalled sitting of the Assembly on Monday, efforts to block the reforms failed due to a lack of cross-community support and breakdown in discussions.
The first Stormont sitting in almost three years was carried out to the backdrop of abortion campaigners on both sides of the debate.
As a result, same sex marriage will become legal in January 2020, with the first weddings expected to take place on Valentine's Day.
The Government has also assumed responsibility to widen the access Northern Irish women have to abortion by next April, with terminations now decriminalised. Women can avail of free transport to access English abortion services in the interim period.
(JG/CM)
The changes were brought in through amendments tabled by two Labour MPs to a bill passed in the House of Commons in July.
The legislation placed a deadline of 21 October for power-sharing to be restored or the UK Government would be bound to act.
While an attempt was made during a recalled sitting of the Assembly on Monday, efforts to block the reforms failed due to a lack of cross-community support and breakdown in discussions.
The first Stormont sitting in almost three years was carried out to the backdrop of abortion campaigners on both sides of the debate.
As a result, same sex marriage will become legal in January 2020, with the first weddings expected to take place on Valentine's Day.
The Government has also assumed responsibility to widen the access Northern Irish women have to abortion by next April, with terminations now decriminalised. Women can avail of free transport to access English abortion services in the interim period.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 October 2019
Abortion Law: Guidance Published For Healthcare Professionals
The Government has published guidelines for medical professionals in Northern Ireland ahead of potential abortion law reforms. Legislation passed in July obliged the UK Government to relax the strict local abortion laws if power sharing at Stormont is not restored by 21 October.
Abortion Law: Guidance Published For Healthcare Professionals
The Government has published guidelines for medical professionals in Northern Ireland ahead of potential abortion law reforms. Legislation passed in July obliged the UK Government to relax the strict local abortion laws if power sharing at Stormont is not restored by 21 October.
09 August 2018
NI Women To Access Abortion Services In Ireland
The Irish Minister for Health, Simon Harris, has made a commitment to allow Northern Irish women to access abortion services in Ireland. Minister Harris made the commitment during his appearance at Feile an Phobail in Belfast. Abortion was legalised in Britain in 1967, but remains illegal in Northern Ireland.
NI Women To Access Abortion Services In Ireland
The Irish Minister for Health, Simon Harris, has made a commitment to allow Northern Irish women to access abortion services in Ireland. Minister Harris made the commitment during his appearance at Feile an Phobail in Belfast. Abortion was legalised in Britain in 1967, but remains illegal in Northern Ireland.
21 October 2019
Stormont: Attempt To Halt Abortion Reform Blocked
The first sitting of the Stormont Assembly in almost three years today saw a last-ditch attempt to halt the decriminalisation of abortion blocked. MLAs returned to the chamber at 1pm on Monday 21 October, with the DUP, UUP, SDLP, TUV Leader Jim Allister and Independent member for East L'Derry Claire Sugden taking their seats.
Stormont: Attempt To Halt Abortion Reform Blocked
The first sitting of the Stormont Assembly in almost three years today saw a last-ditch attempt to halt the decriminalisation of abortion blocked. MLAs returned to the chamber at 1pm on Monday 21 October, with the DUP, UUP, SDLP, TUV Leader Jim Allister and Independent member for East L'Derry Claire Sugden taking their seats.
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.
15 November 2024
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
-
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.
