09/07/2015

Fermanagh And Omagh Council Vote In Favour Of Marriage Equality

Fermanagh and Omagh Council have voted in favour of marriage equality.

The Council passed the motion by 25 votes to 13 in a meeting in Omagh.

SDLP Omagh Councillor Joanne Donnelly said people are "frustrated" to be living in the only place "in these islands" where same-sex marriage remains illegal.

She said: "Marriage equality does not only hold huge symbolic significance but would extend the same practical rights to same sex couples. Rights of inheritance, to be your wife or husband's next of kin, even the ability to declare yourself married, these are things heterosexual couples can take for granted and it is time same-sex couples were extended the same respect. I also welcome the due consideration to religious institutions demonstrated by the council by calling for their beliefs to be protected."

(CD/JP)

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