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SAME-SEX MARRIAGE is now legally recognised in Northern Ireland.
Under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act, laws to introduce same-sex marriage had to be in force by 13 January.
The change to the law means that same-sex couples can, from today, register to marry.
The first ceremonies will take place in February.
In July 2019, MPs in the House of Commons voted to legalise same-sex marriage and abortion in the North if power-sharing hadn’t been restored by 21 October.
Stormont was only restored last weekend after months of talks between Northern Irish parties and the UK and Irish governments.
Claire Sugden / TwitterSame sex marriage now legal in NI. We waited too long for this day. I’m sure today will be v emotional for LGBT community who now share the same rights as me. Looking forward to my first wedding invite! That’s a big hint! #marriageequality #love 🌈🌈🌈 https://t.co/Ncsy8dSIlb
— Claire Sugden (@ClaireSugden) January 13, 2020
Michelle O’Neill / TwitterAs of today, Marriage Equality is legal in the North as LGBTQ+ citizens can register their intent to marry.
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) January 13, 2020
Today belongs to you, the people.
It belongs to all of you that have campaigned relentlessly for LGBTQ+ rights for decades.
This is an historic day for equality. pic.twitter.com/7D7AkscJ0w
MLAs in the North voted on proposals to legalise same-sex marriage five times between 2012 and 2015. On four occasions, the proposals were narrowly rejected. On the fifth occasion, in November 2015, proposals were passed by the smallest possible margin – 53 votes to 52.
However, the DUP blocked any change in legislation through the controversial - and now partially reformed - Petition of Concern.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in the England, Scotland and Wales since 2014.
In Ireland, same-sex marriage has been legal since 2015.
Activists in Northern Ireland today celebrated the landmark change in the law.
Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International called it a “historic day for equality and human rights in Northern Ireland”.
Sinn Féin leader Michelle O’Neill said on Twitter that today “belongs to all of you that have campaigned relentlessly for LGBTQ+ rights for decades”.
“This is an historic day for equality,” she said.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood also joined the voices welcoming the change in the law. “This is something to celebrate,” he said.
“A powerful message of hope and acceptance to members of our LGBT+ community that the love they share is as equal as any other. We have further to travel and more to do. But this is a start,” Eastwood added.
Independent MLA and former justice minister Claire Sugden said: “We waited too long for this day. I’m sure today will be v emotional for LGBT community who now share the same rights as me. Looking forward to my first wedding invite!”
Labour MP Conor McGinn, who brought forward the amendment to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act, told the BBC that today was a “good day for Northern Ireland”.
It was, he said, “an important day for citizens’ rights across these islands and an exciting day for same-sex couples who can now register to marry”.
From today, opposite-sex couples will also be able to enter into civil partnerships in the North.
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DUP must be regretting not getting back to work sooner so they could stop this.
@gm_cmanning: no I would think that they were happy to dodge the issue, as it was not our fault lads and lassies
@FlopFlipU: exactly. They knew it was going to happen sooner rather than later and this way they can tell their zealot supporters that it wasn’t their fault.
@FlopFlipU: hadn’t thought of that. Makes twisted sense
Wonderful news! Suddenly the future is looking brighter in Northern Ireland. Congrats to all the campaigners.
I bet those lads from that cake shop up there are kicking themselves now. Coulda made a ga¥ mint off the back of this act and just think of all the leather bound bibles you could buy with that cash
Fabulous news! Congratulations to every couple getting hitched…
COYBIP
Welcome to the 21st century
Arelene can now marry Ian Jr great news.
Congratulations, May those who venture to take this road have wonderful life… Equality, purpose and joy
This is not what bobby sands died for.
@Old Bill: Correct. He died for 5 demands. Prisoners couldn’t marry themselves then but they can now. Hurray….gay cake for everyone!
@Old Bill: he died for a society in which all citizens are equal so *actually* he did
@Old Bill: Yes it is. Freedom was what he died for. You don’t have to marry a bloke if you don’t want to. you sound closer to the DUP than to a republican.
“Our revenge shall be the laughter of our children. “
@Old Bill: hush up now and get back in your cave ;)
I suppose women will get the vote from next week then.
Wait till they experience divorce they’ll be wondering what all the fuss is about!
Eh no! It’s not fully recognised. Any denomination that chooses to solemnise such marriage – and there are two I know of that would – is prevented by law from doing so.
@Damien Fegan: Ah where (pure) ignorance is bliss!! The Oratory Society, Order of Marian Apostles and the Non Subscribing Presbyterian Church (Unitarians) are three who would conduct such marriages.
@Niall Sheridan: it’s civil marriage so they don’t need any church.
@Niall Sheridan: It is a bit weird they are prevented by law from doing so. I didn’t realise. Surely it would have made more sense for each organisation to decide whether to allow/deny it, as in Ireland here.
Great news. About time.
@Charles Quinn: ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !!!!! “They want to enjoy the pleasures of the body without guilt.” Oh Noes!! The horror. You absolute Spoon.
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