Menu
06/08/2015
Call For Free Vote Regarding Same-Sex Marriage
There are reports that two churches in Northern Ireland have called for the region's politicians to be allowed a free vote regarding same-sex marriage.
It is understood representatives from both the Catholic church and Presbyterian church have said party whips should be removed on the issue when it is next debated at Stormont. The move comes just days after the Alliance Party confirmed it was to make support for gay marriage compulsory for candidates running in the 2016 assembly election.
The Catholic Church has previously voiced its opposition to same-sex marriage.
Father Tim Bartlett said: "These things should be a free vote, as that is more democratic and is more transparent for the electorate."
The Reverend Norman Hamilton, from the Presbyterian Church, is also quoted by the BBC as saying: "We would be very supportive of a vote based on conscience, because conscience matters in a democratic and pluralist society. There has to be a place for dissenting and minority voices."
Northern Ireland is currently the only region within the UK where same-sex marriage not legal.
(JP/MH)
It is understood representatives from both the Catholic church and Presbyterian church have said party whips should be removed on the issue when it is next debated at Stormont. The move comes just days after the Alliance Party confirmed it was to make support for gay marriage compulsory for candidates running in the 2016 assembly election.
The Catholic Church has previously voiced its opposition to same-sex marriage.
Father Tim Bartlett said: "These things should be a free vote, as that is more democratic and is more transparent for the electorate."
The Reverend Norman Hamilton, from the Presbyterian Church, is also quoted by the BBC as saying: "We would be very supportive of a vote based on conscience, because conscience matters in a democratic and pluralist society. There has to be a place for dissenting and minority voices."
Northern Ireland is currently the only region within the UK where same-sex marriage not legal.
(JP/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 December 2024
SDLP Describes Irish Sea Border Bill As 'Detached From Reality'
An Irish Sea Border Bill, presented to the House of Commons by the TUV's Jim Allister, has been described as "detached from reality", by SDLP Leader Claire Hanna. South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said: "The Irish Sea Border Bill before the Commons today is the stuff of fantasy, detached from the reality of Brexit and the present day.
SDLP Describes Irish Sea Border Bill As 'Detached From Reality'
An Irish Sea Border Bill, presented to the House of Commons by the TUV's Jim Allister, has been described as "detached from reality", by SDLP Leader Claire Hanna. South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said: "The Irish Sea Border Bill before the Commons today is the stuff of fantasy, detached from the reality of Brexit and the present day.
04 December 2024
Sinn Féin And DUP Accused Of 'Protecting The Status Quo'
Sinn Féin and the DUP have been accused df wanting to maintain the status quo to "serve their own ends". SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA made the comments after a meeting of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee (AERC) at Stormont on Tuesday morning.
Sinn Féin And DUP Accused Of 'Protecting The Status Quo'
Sinn Féin and the DUP have been accused df wanting to maintain the status quo to "serve their own ends". SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA made the comments after a meeting of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee (AERC) at Stormont on Tuesday morning.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
13 December 2024
Other News In Brief
Alliance Welcomes 'Ongoing Success' Of Enhanced Stalking Protections The Alliance Party has welcomed the "ongoing success" of Northern Ireland's enhanced stalking protections.
Other News In Brief
Alliance Welcomes 'Ongoing Success' Of Enhanced Stalking Protections The Alliance Party has welcomed the "ongoing success" of Northern Ireland's enhanced stalking protections.
20 February 2018
NI Same-Sex Marriage Could Be Passed At Westminster - Karen Bradley
Secretary of State Karen Bradley has said if same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland was to be raised at Westminster it is the government's policy to allow a free vote on matters of conscience. She was replying to a question from Labour MP Conor McGinn who asked if she would bring forward legislative proposals on equal marriage in the region.
NI Same-Sex Marriage Could Be Passed At Westminster - Karen Bradley
Secretary of State Karen Bradley has said if same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland was to be raised at Westminster it is the government's policy to allow a free vote on matters of conscience. She was replying to a question from Labour MP Conor McGinn who asked if she would bring forward legislative proposals on equal marriage in the region.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be largely dry with patchy cloud and sunny spells through the day. Perhaps the odd shower in the north. Strong southwesterly winds, easing later. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying dry with clear spells through this evening. Clouding over later in the night with rain arriving from the southwest during the early hours. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
