NI Same-Sex Marriage Bill To Be Introduced In Westminster

A Labour MP is to bring a bill before the House of Commons to introduce same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.

Mr Conor McGinn from Co Armagh is the MP for St Helen's North in Merseyside.

NI is the only part of the UK where same-sex marriage is still illegal.

Conservative peer Lord Hayward tabled the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) (Northern Ireland) Bill in the Lords on Tuesday, 27 March.

Speaking ahead of Mr McGinn's introduction of a Ten Minute Rule Bill later today, 28 March, Lord Mayor of Belfast Nuala McAllister said: "This is an important week for the campaign for marriage equality in Northern Ireland, and as Lord Mayor I believe it is extremely important for me to showcase my support for extending equal marriage into Northern Ireland.

"People often say that we aren't a liberal society, but I don't believe that is true. Over the past year I've been amazed at the open, welcoming and inclusive Belfast we have been building - a global Belfast ready to showcase its potential to the world. This is the Northern Ireland we should be promoting, not one who actively discriminates against a large section of society."

(CD/LM)