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28/04/2014
Calls To Reject Gay Marriage Repeated
A number of Northern Ireland's Catholic bishops have called on the Northern Ireland Assembly to reject same-sex marriage.
In an open letter, the bishops say it is "inappropriate" to apply the principle of equality to "two fundamentally different types of relationship".
The issue of gay marriage is due to be debated in the Assembly on Tuesday (29 April).
The letter, which has been signed by Cardinal Sean Brady and six other bishops, argue that 'family', which is based on a woman and a man being married, is "the best and ideal place for children and deserves special recognition and promotion by the state.".
They added that it is not discrimination to treat different types of relationships differently.
The Church of Ireland has also reaffirmed its position on the controversial issue of same-sex marriage. In a statement on its website, it said: "The Church of Ireland affirms, according to our Lord's teaching that marriage is in its purpose a union permanent and life–long, for better or worse, till death do them part, of one man with one woman, to the exclusion of all others on either side. The Church of Ireland recognises for itself and of itself, no other understanding of marriage."
Earlier this month, it was revealed that the NI Assembly would once again debate the issue of gay marriage.
The motion has been filed by a number of MLAs, and said that "other jurisdictions on these island have moved forward with equal marriage rights for same-sex couples", adding that Northern Ireland should introduce similar laws.
The region is the only remaining nation in the UK that has chosen not to legalise same-sex marriage. Political parties Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance Party have all said they are in favour of changing the current laws, but the DUP has repeatedly vetoed debates on the issue.
(JP)
In an open letter, the bishops say it is "inappropriate" to apply the principle of equality to "two fundamentally different types of relationship".
The issue of gay marriage is due to be debated in the Assembly on Tuesday (29 April).
The letter, which has been signed by Cardinal Sean Brady and six other bishops, argue that 'family', which is based on a woman and a man being married, is "the best and ideal place for children and deserves special recognition and promotion by the state.".
They added that it is not discrimination to treat different types of relationships differently.
The Church of Ireland has also reaffirmed its position on the controversial issue of same-sex marriage. In a statement on its website, it said: "The Church of Ireland affirms, according to our Lord's teaching that marriage is in its purpose a union permanent and life–long, for better or worse, till death do them part, of one man with one woman, to the exclusion of all others on either side. The Church of Ireland recognises for itself and of itself, no other understanding of marriage."
Earlier this month, it was revealed that the NI Assembly would once again debate the issue of gay marriage.
The motion has been filed by a number of MLAs, and said that "other jurisdictions on these island have moved forward with equal marriage rights for same-sex couples", adding that Northern Ireland should introduce similar laws.
The region is the only remaining nation in the UK that has chosen not to legalise same-sex marriage. Political parties Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance Party have all said they are in favour of changing the current laws, but the DUP has repeatedly vetoed debates on the issue.
(JP)
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02 November 2015
Majority Of MLAs Favour Same Sex Marriage
A majority of MLAs have voted in favour of legalising same sex marriage in Northern Ireland, however the DUP has lodged a petition of concern ahead of the vote. This means that while the majority favoured same sex marriage the motion was lost. 53 MLAs voted in favour and 51 voted against. Another politician abstained from the vote.
Majority Of MLAs Favour Same Sex Marriage
A majority of MLAs have voted in favour of legalising same sex marriage in Northern Ireland, however the DUP has lodged a petition of concern ahead of the vote. This means that while the majority favoured same sex marriage the motion was lost. 53 MLAs voted in favour and 51 voted against. Another politician abstained from the vote.
31 October 2013
Equality Commission Enters LGBT Debate
Northern Ireland's Equality Commission has told the BBC that Stormont needs to take action to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people living in Northern Ireland. The Commission was reacting to the continued vetoing by the DUP of votes on the subject of gay marriage at Stormont.
Equality Commission Enters LGBT Debate
Northern Ireland's Equality Commission has told the BBC that Stormont needs to take action to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people living in Northern Ireland. The Commission was reacting to the continued vetoing by the DUP of votes on the subject of gay marriage at Stormont.
26 April 2013
DUP Table Petition Of Concern On Same Sex Marriage Motion
DUP Chief Whip Peter Weir has confirmed the Party has tabled a Petition of Concern on the same sex marriage motion, which has been tabled by Sinn Fein for debate in the Assembly next week. The Chief Whip said: "It is only a few months since the Assembly last debated this issue and views were clearly expressed at that time.
DUP Table Petition Of Concern On Same Sex Marriage Motion
DUP Chief Whip Peter Weir has confirmed the Party has tabled a Petition of Concern on the same sex marriage motion, which has been tabled by Sinn Fein for debate in the Assembly next week. The Chief Whip said: "It is only a few months since the Assembly last debated this issue and views were clearly expressed at that time.
21 October 2019
Stormont: Attempt To Halt Abortion Reform Blocked
The first sitting of the Stormont Assembly in almost three years today saw a last-ditch attempt to halt the decriminalisation of abortion blocked. MLAs returned to the chamber at 1pm on Monday 21 October, with the DUP, UUP, SDLP, TUV Leader Jim Allister and Independent member for East L'Derry Claire Sugden taking their seats.
Stormont: Attempt To Halt Abortion Reform Blocked
The first sitting of the Stormont Assembly in almost three years today saw a last-ditch attempt to halt the decriminalisation of abortion blocked. MLAs returned to the chamber at 1pm on Monday 21 October, with the DUP, UUP, SDLP, TUV Leader Jim Allister and Independent member for East L'Derry Claire Sugden taking their seats.
09 July 2019
MPs Set To Vote On Same-Sex Marriage
MPs in Westminster are set to vote this afternoon, 09 July, on whether or not to legalise same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland. A debate on the matter came about as a bill to keep the region running in the absence of Stormont's devolved government advances through Parliament.
MPs Set To Vote On Same-Sex Marriage
MPs in Westminster are set to vote this afternoon, 09 July, on whether or not to legalise same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland. A debate on the matter came about as a bill to keep the region running in the absence of Stormont's devolved government advances through Parliament.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
