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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)
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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.
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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.
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.
14 December 2016
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Church In Belfast Secures Funding For Urgent Roof Repairs
A church in Belfast has scooped funding for urgent roof repairs. May Street Presbyterian Church, located in the Linen Conservation Area, has been awarded £10,000 from the National Churches Trusts. A total of £596,000 has been allocated for churches and chapels in England, Wales, Scotland and NI.
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Threats To Ethnic Groups Condemned
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