DUP Chief Whip: ‘Same-sex marriage is not an issue of equality or human rights’
The Democratic Unionist Party’s Chief Whip has defended his party’s opposition to equal marriage in Northern Ireland.
The Assembly is due to debate equal marriage tomorrow.
In a statement released before the veto had been announced, DUP Chief Whip Peter Weir said: “It will be exactly one year since this motion was last debated in the Assembly.
“On that occasion a cross party majority voted against the introduction of gay marriage in Northern Ireland. Indeed, the majority of MLAs against the motion increased from the previous debate.
“Same-sex marriage is not an issue of equality or human rights and the Northern Ireland Assembly is entirely entitled to take a view on the issue, even if that happens to be different to other jurisdictions. Differing laws in differing jurisdictions is the very essence of devolution.”
Mr Weir added: “The DUP is the only major party with a consistent view on this matter. This Sein Fein motion will only result in further embarrassment for those parties and individuals who avoid telling the electorate where they stand. Although, for those who will listen to their conscience above their leadership, we commend their courage.”
Sinn Fein, the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), the Alliance Party, NI21 and the Greens, all support equal marriage.
The DUP has continually resisted supporting LGBT equality across the board. First Minister Peter Robinson and Health Minister Edwin Poots have refused to lift Northern Ireland’s lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men giving blood.
Same-sex marriages conducted in England and Wales are currently only recognised as civil partnerships.
Amnesty International has said equal marriage in Northern Ireland could eventually be secured in the courts – in order to bypass the DUP’s opposition.
