Two NI MPs Support Gay Marriage Bill

Just two of the 13 Northern Ireland MPs eligible to vote on the gay marriage bill contributed to its passing in the House of Commons last night.

The Commons voted in favour of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, by 400 to 175, a majority of 225.

The SDLP's Mark Durkan (Foyle) and east Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long voted in favour of the Bill, which will see gay couples allowed to marry.

The bill was opposed by DUP MPs Gregory Campbell, Nigel Dodds, Jeffrey Donaldson, Rev William McCrea, Ian Paisley Junior, Jim Shannon, David Simpson, Sammy Wilson and independent MP Lady Sylvia Hermon.

The SDLP's Margaret Ritchie and Alasdair McDonnell abstained.

Sinn Féin’s continuing policy of abstention means they were not able to vote.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Theresa Villiers voted in favour of the bill being passed.

Equal Marriage NI chairman John O'Doherty told the BBC the move was "a victory for equality and a victory for decency."

He said: "The tone of the debate in the House of Commons was overwhelmingly measured and respectful. Those who are opposed to equal marriage, with the notable exception of DUP MPs, largely made their contributions without resorting to fallacy and hyperbole," he said.

Alliance MP Naomi Long said: "As a Christian and a liberal, I believe that equality and religious freedom are fundamental to a democratic society and that both must be promoted and protected, a position which is reflected in our policy and also in the Bill.

"I, therefore, supported the Bill at Second Reading stage, which deals with the broad principles of the Bill, as I believe that the government have set out clearly their intention to provide both equality of access and robust protections for faith groups who do not in conscience support same sex civil marriage, ensuring that they will not be forced to conduct same sex marriage ceremonies or have them conducted on their premises, or be prevented from expressing their views on the matter.

"It is also important in the context of religious freedom, that those faith groups who wish, in conscience, to marry same sex couples are able to do so without being prevented by the state, something which is also contained in the Bill."

(IT)