Women are more likely to support same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland, survey shows
Frances Goldin, who has two lesbian daughters, holds a sign while watching the Gay Pride Parade (Yana Paskova/Getty Images)
Women across the UK are significantly more likely to support same-sex marriage, a survey by PinkNews has shown.
In a YouGov poll which logged the UK’s views across LGBT+ rights and causes across the respective countries polled more than a thousand people on what they thought about introducing same-sex marriage into Northern Ireland.
An overwhelming 83 percent of women in England, Scotland and Wales believe that the nation should legalise same-sex marriage.
This is in comparison to the 70 percent of men polled who back the move.
Kosovo feminist supporters take part in a rally for gender equality and against violence towards women to mark the International Women’s Day (ARMEND NIMANI/AFP/Getty Images)
The percentage difference indicates the close relationship feminist and LGBT+ campaigners have shared throughout the years.
The most recent example of this is how the LGBT+ community rallied together to secure the repeal of the 8th amendment, with the Irish populating voting to legalise abortion for women from in the Republic of Ireland.
After the UK showed overwhelming support for Ireland in securing the abortion vote, it appears that the UK hopes to do the same for the neighbouring nation to secure equal marriage for its citizens.
An activist campaigning for trans rights. (Getty)
PinkNews will be hosting a series of summer reception events across the UK to rally around for support of LGBT+ rights.
To date, receptions have been held in the Welsh Assembly and in the Scottish Parliament.
PinkNews will host a Belfast event on June 28, supported by Citi.
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster (Jack Taylor/Getty)
Foster will be joined by Michelle O’Neill MLA, leader of Sinn Féin in Northern Ireland, Robin Swann MLA, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Colum Eastwood MLA, leader of the SDLP and Naomi Long MLA, leader of the Alliance Party.
Foster is known for her anti same-sex marriage stance.
Northern Ireland is the only UK nation where same-sex marriage is illegal.
“I believe I can hold to my principled position, particularly in reality to the definition of marriage, while respecting the diversity across our society and recognising that sexuality is a matter for the individual,” Foster said.
DUP leader Arlene Foster (Charles McQuillan/Getty)
“All I ask in return is that my, and our views, are also respected and not the subject of the vilest of abuse as has sometimes been the case by a small minority.
“Just because we disagree on marriage does not mean that I can’t say that we value those who are LGBT in our society, and they should not be the subject of hate because of their sexuality.”
The final summer reception will be held in Westminster on July 4.
