Protests to take place in Northern Ireland over lack of equal marriage

Demonstrations are taking place this evening by LGBT campaigners in Northern Ireland who are highlighting how it’s the last remaining part of the UK where equal marriage is yet to be legalised.

The Equal Marriage Northern Ireland Campaign is holding two demonstrations at Belfast City Hall and the Guidlhall Square in Foyle from 5-6pm.

It’s to mark Saturday’s arrival of equal marriage in England and Wales. John O’Doherty, chair of the Equal Marriage Northern Ireland Campaign said: “Equal marriage is about to become a reality in England and Wales. The Scottish Parliament has already voted overwhelmingly in favour of equal marriage and same-sex couples will be able to marry later this year.

“In the South of Ireland, a referendum is expected in the early part of 2015, and early opinion polls suggest a significant majority in favour. Twice before, an equal marriage motion has been debated in the Northern Ireland Assembly, losing by a small margin both times. We are demonstrating today, to remind our political leaders and representatives that we do not want to be left behind in the march toward full legislative equality for LGB&/T people and their families.”

Northern Ireland is the only remaining UK nation where equal marriage has not been legalised.

The Democratic Unionist Party has repeatedly vetoed debates on equal marriage in the Stormont Assembly.

The DUP has the most MLAs of any party in the Assembly.

Same-sex couples in Scotland will be able to marry in the country by the end of 2014, following this month’s Royal Assent of Scotland’s equal marriage law.

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• Dec 18 2024

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