History made as marriage equality arrives in Northern Ireland
The entire UK now recognises same-sex marriages
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
History has been made as marriage equality arrives in Northern Ireland.
Up until now, Northern Ireland was the only part of the UK that did not recognise same-sex marriages as well as banning abortion except when a mother’s life is at risk.
But now, LGBTQ citizens across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK are celebrating as marriage equality and abortion rights have arrived in Northern Ireland.
More than six years after legislation was passed in England and Wales allowing LGBTQ people to marry the person they love, the UK can finally say that it has marriage equality for all.
Today the sun shines pride and gay not just in England, Wales and Scotland but in all of the UK. Congratulation to #NorthernIreland for finaly following UK and Ireland joining the 21st century. A day the #DUP feels duped is a great day for #Equality. pic.twitter.com/uTKWCZO7rz
— Marx de Morais (@MarxdeMorais) October 22, 2019
Gays can get married in Northern Ireland and the world hasn’t come to an end. It’s almost like… it’s just a legal document allowing same sex couples to be protected under the law and not some mystical ordination from above.#NowForNI
— Matthew (@thatmattyh) October 22, 2019
Absolute scenes here in Belfast tonight as #equalmarriage is legalised in Northern Ireland @BelTel pic.twitter.com/mhIeRxyIL2
— Kevin Scott (@Kscott_94) October 21, 2019
Back in July Westminster Parliament backed marriage equality in Northern Ireland and voted that it would be introduced to the country by as early as October, unless there is a power-sharing executive formed at Stormont.
Campaigners for marriage equality have said the British government ministers have confirmed same-sex marriage will be legal from January 23, with couples having to wait 28 days after they submit their notice of intention to marry.
DUP leader Arlene Foster ridiculously said after leaving the chamber: “It is a very sad day and I know some people will seek to celebrate and I would say to those people, think of us who are sad today and who believe this is an affront to human dignity.”