Colin Farrell says ‘I do’ to being best man at gay brother’s wedding
The Irish actor has promised to be best man at his brother’s wedding, now that same-sex marriage is officially legal in the country.
Thousands took to the streets to celebrate when the same-sex marriage referendum passed last month – including Eamon Farrell, brother to True Detective star and LGBT rights advocate Colin.
Although Eamon is already married to his partner Steve Mannion – the pair tied the knot in Vancouver back in 2009 – the couple spoke after the referendum of their plans to conduct a Irish wedding ceremony now that the legislation is due to change.
Before the marriage bill passed, Colin released a heartfelt video urging people to support the bill, saying: “The fact that my brother had to leave Ireland to have his dream of being married become real is insane. INSANE!”
However, although same-sex marriage is technically legal in the country, Eamon and Steve may have to wait until 2016 to get married, as changes in the law to allow the ceremonies to take place have yet to be completed.
Due to the Irish three month mandatory notice for weddings, the ceremonies would be possible in the new year if the law changes by the end of Summer. However the more legislative barriers that might come up means delaying the weddings to possibly 2016.
Justice minister Frances Fitzgerald has said, “I am very conscious that many couples will want to get married as soon as possible. I am working to make that happen.”
Meanwhile, a government source supported the barriers saying, “Our hands are tied. We are at the mercy of the courts.”
With same-sex marriage now legalised in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, pressure is building on Northern Ireland to readdress their own legislation regarding the matter.
However, the Democratic Unionist Party continue to block any reform even though support from the Northern Irish people is overwhelmingly positive, with 82% of 16 to 34-year olds and 75% support of 35 to 54-year olds supporting marriage equality.
Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s NI director – said, “The people have spoken and it’s clear they don’t want Northern Ireland to be left behind on marriage equality.”
“It’s high time Northern Ireland said a big ‘we do too’ to equality.”
