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UK Wedding News

20/09/2013

Poll Shows Divide Over Gay Marriage

A recent poll has revealed that around a fifth (21.5%) of young voters, are opposed to the legalisation of same-sex marriage being extended to Northern Ireland, in a similar way to Britain.

The poll, which was carried out by the Belfast Telegraph, also revealed that a majority of those opposed to gay marriage are in the older age bracket. A further four in 10 people have yet to make up their minds on the controversial issue.

The following month, the Assembly voted on the issue and agreed not to extend the UK legislation.

A total of 1,222 respondents were told that "Westminster has legalised same sex marriages, although churches have the legal right to refuse to perform the ceremonies". They were then asked, "Should this law be extended to Northern Ireland?"

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Some 27.1% believed it should, but 30.4% said no, while a further 42% were undecided.

Support for changing legislation was highest among the young, but 36% of 18 to 24 year olds were still undecided. Among the over 65s, a higher number are undecided (45%), but if they are left out of the results, 78% of pensioners currently oppose gay marriage.

In religious terms, Protestants are claimed to be least likely to support a change in the law.

Gerry Lynch of LucidTalk is quoted by the newspaper as saying: "The generation gap on this question is one of the widest I have ever seen.

"While two-thirds of under 25s support marriage equality, over three-quarters of over 65s oppose it.

"There is a sudden and sharp difference of opinion either side of the age 45 mark."

He added that "those younger than 45 came of age after the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Northern Ireland in 1982, while those older grew up in a society where same-sex relations could still be punished with imprisonment. Those deep influences are clearly visible here."

Currently, the region's political parties are divided on the issue, with the DUP most strongly opposed to it. Sinn Fein is in favour, as is the Alliance Party, while both the UUP and SDLP allow a free vote.

Earlier this year, in May, MLAs voted against the issue by 53 to 42, but the DUP also raised a petition of concern that would have allowed them to block it even if it had been passed by MLAs.

(JP/CD)

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"A recent poll has revealed that around a fifth (21."