We are covered by the same laws⦠why should we not be afforded the same rights in marriage? The government has resisted calls from gay rights campaigners and Tory and Labour MPs to impose marriage equality legislation in Northern Ireland. The region is the only part of the UK where same-sex marriage remains illegal. In the absence of devolution in Belfast, central government does have the power to introduce a marriage equality law. She had written movingly about her own personal struggles over coming out in a society where an alliance of the DUP and Christian fundamentalists continually block moves towards same-sex marriage.
It has been linked with four murders, including the shooting of journalist Lyra McKee in Derr y in April The group is believed to have formed between and after the merger of a number of smaller groups, including the Real IRA, which was behind the Omagh bombing. In January the group was responsible for a car bomb outside the courthouse in Derry. The explosives-laden car was left on Bishop Street on a Saturday night, and scores of people, including a group of teenagers, had walked past before it detonated.
On Friday, the PSNI officer leading the investigation issued an appeal to the gunman responsible to hand himself in to police. A bursary for young journalists has now been established in her name by the Centre for Investigative Journalism. Polling has consistently shown majority support among the public and in the Northern Ireland assembly for reform of marriage laws.
At least 55 out of 90 assembly members in the Stormont devolved parliament have publicly voiced their support for marriage equality legislation. In November , a majority of MLAs in the assembly voted to support equal marriage, but the measure was blocked by the DUP using a petition of concern, a voting mechanism designed to protect the rights of minorities in Northern Ireland. This article is more than 5 years old. Mural of journalist Lyra McKee unveiled in Belfast.
Read more. Reuse this content. More on this story. Lyra McKee: man jailed for possessing gun used to kill journalist. First same-sex marriage takes place in Northern Ireland. Couples to sue over Northern Ireland same-sex marriage delays. Thai same-sex marriage law comes into force β in pictures. Crowd at republican parade in Northern Ireland attack police with petrol bombs. Thailand passes historic bill recognising marriage equality.
