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13/01/2020
Same-Sex Marriage Now Legal In NI
Same-sex couples can now register to marry for the first time in Northern Ireland's history.
From today, Monday 13 January, couples are able to give notice of their intent to form a civil same-sex marriage to the General Register Office for Northern Ireland.
The minimum period of notice is usually 28 days, meaning the first same-sex weddings are likely to take place from Monday 10 February.
Heterosexual couples will also be able to enter into civil partnerships from today, while same-sex couples who are already married will now be recognised in Northern Ireland.
Th law changes follow amendments made to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 by Labour MP Conor McGinn that allowed Westminster to legislate for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International said it was an "historic day for equality and human rights in Northern Ireland".
(JG/CM)
From today, Monday 13 January, couples are able to give notice of their intent to form a civil same-sex marriage to the General Register Office for Northern Ireland.
The minimum period of notice is usually 28 days, meaning the first same-sex weddings are likely to take place from Monday 10 February.
Heterosexual couples will also be able to enter into civil partnerships from today, while same-sex couples who are already married will now be recognised in Northern Ireland.
Th law changes follow amendments made to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 by Labour MP Conor McGinn that allowed Westminster to legislate for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International said it was an "historic day for equality and human rights in Northern Ireland".
(JG/CM)
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Majority Of MLAs Favour Same Sex Marriage
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A majority of MLAs have voted in favour of legalising same sex marriage in Northern Ireland, however the DUP has lodged a petition of concern ahead of the vote. This means that while the majority favoured same sex marriage the motion was lost. 53 MLAs voted in favour and 51 voted against. Another politician abstained from the vote.
21 January 2020
Govt Seeks Opinion On Same-Sex Religious Marriage
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Adoption legislation changes dismissed
A legal bid to overturn legislation banning unmarried couples from adopting has been dismissed by a judge in Northern Ireland’s Court of Appeal. The couple launched the case concerning a 10-year-old girl referred to as P as the partner of her mother was not able to adopt her, because they were not married.
Adoption legislation changes dismissed
A legal bid to overturn legislation banning unmarried couples from adopting has been dismissed by a judge in Northern Ireland’s Court of Appeal. The couple launched the case concerning a 10-year-old girl referred to as P as the partner of her mother was not able to adopt her, because they were not married.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
