UK Wedding News
04/08/2016
Northern Ireland's DUP party has been asked to not use its veto the next time the issue of same-sex marriage comes before the Assembly.
Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn made the call as he attended an event as part of this year's Belfast Pride week.
He is quoted as saying: "The last time equal marriage was debated here, it was only defeated by the DUP's use of the petition of concern mechanism. I believe it would again receive the backing of a majority of MLAs, even if the DUP decided to oppose it.
"Therefore, the only thing stopping it passing is that veto. DUP members could still vote along with their beliefs and principles, but I would call on the DUP to pledge not to use a petition of concern. It is only intended to protect minority rights and in this instance, it is doing the exact opposite."
He added: "My colleague Naomi Long is one of the cross-party MLAs who has submitted the matter to be debated as a Private Members' Bill, which shows the level of support right across the chamber to change things."
Currently, Northern Ireland is the only region in the UK where same-sex marriage is not legal. Last year, the Republic of Ireland legalised same-sex marriage following a referendum on the issue.
(JP)
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DUP Urged Not To Use Petition Of Concern Over Same-Sex Marriage
Northern Ireland's DUP party has been asked to not use its veto the next time the issue of same-sex marriage comes before the Assembly.
Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn made the call as he attended an event as part of this year's Belfast Pride week.
He is quoted as saying: "The last time equal marriage was debated here, it was only defeated by the DUP's use of the petition of concern mechanism. I believe it would again receive the backing of a majority of MLAs, even if the DUP decided to oppose it.
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"Therefore, the only thing stopping it passing is that veto. DUP members could still vote along with their beliefs and principles, but I would call on the DUP to pledge not to use a petition of concern. It is only intended to protect minority rights and in this instance, it is doing the exact opposite."
He added: "My colleague Naomi Long is one of the cross-party MLAs who has submitted the matter to be debated as a Private Members' Bill, which shows the level of support right across the chamber to change things."
Currently, Northern Ireland is the only region in the UK where same-sex marriage is not legal. Last year, the Republic of Ireland legalised same-sex marriage following a referendum on the issue.
(JP)
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