Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HISTORIC DAY FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES
Change step closer as MPS vote for equality and change to abortion laws
SAME-SEX marriage in Northern Ireland is one step closer after a “truly historic day” for equality.
MPS at Westminster yesterday voted to extend rights and access to abortions if a new Stormont Executive is not formed by October 21. Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan, left, said it was “a day for the history books”.
He added: “Now, in just three months’ time, we could see the first same-sex couples here tying the knot.”
SAME-SEX marriage could become legal in Northern Ireland after a landmark move by MPS last night.
They voted to extend equal marriage if a new Stormont Executive is not formed by October 21.
The House of Commons decided by a majority of 310 – 383 to 73 – to include the provision in legislation.
A proposal aiming to extend abortion access to women was also approved by 332 votes to 99.
Labour MP Conor Mcginn led the cross-party bid to address same-sex marriage at Westminster.
The South Armagh man said afterwards it was a “fantastic victory” for the Love Equality campaign.
He added: “Having been let down so many times before, LGBT people in Northern Ireland d can now look forward to enjoying the same rights as everyone else in the rest of the UK and on the island of Ireland.
“I hope to see the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly restored and working by October 21, so that they can take the decision to introduce equal marriage.
But if Stormont still isn’t functioning by then, the LGBT community in Northern Ireland now know Westminster will act to ensure equality and respect for all citizens and finally give them the right to marry the person they love.”
The DUP voted against both amendments but two of its MPS, Gavin Robinson and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, were tellers, meaning they did not vote.
Speaking at committee stage in the Commons,the party ’s Westminster leader Nigel Dodds said the equal marriage proposal was, “Seeking to drive a coach and horses through the principle of devolution, overriding the concerns of people in Northern Ireland”.
Independent MP for North Down Lady Hermon backed the same-sex marriage amendment, as did Northern Ireland Office Minister John Penrose.
Secretary of State Karen Bradley and PM Theresa May abstained.
Another debate on other amendments also took place, with some tabled by the DUP looking at the implementation of the Military Covenant here.
Mal O’hara, Green Party councillor for the Castle area said he was “shellshocked and happy” following the news.
He added: “We have had a number of false dawns at Westminster, previous Bills on abortion or equal marriage and they have not come to fruitition.
“This is the most progress we have ever seen on these issues in terms of Westminster and we are delighted to see it and by such a clear majority as well, the House has clearly spoken.” He also paid tribute to activists from both campaigns who have spent years lobbying for rights to be extended.
Mr O’hara said: “Those people have put blood, sweat and tears into this and that grassroots activism has forced this change at the highest level.
“I am so proud to have played a small part in it.”
Alliance leader Naomi Long said it was “truly a historic day ” and paid tribute to “all those who have fought over the years for equality of rights for everyone in our society”.
Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland director and part of the Love Equality coalition, said it was “a day for the history books”.
Peter Lynas, director of Evangelical Alliance NI, said: “Confusing equality with the redefinition of marriage is a mistake.
“It is sad that MPS with no mandate have chosen to ignore devolution and change the law in Northern Ireland.
“However, the church in Northern Irel and wi l l champion marriage and family while continuing to reach out and minister to everyone.”
This is the most progress we have seen on these issues MAL O’HARA YESTERDAY