The Irish Times reports:
MPs have voted to give a second reading to a bill that would give same-sex couples in Northern Ireland the right to marry. Introducing the bill in the House of Commons on Wednesday, South Armagh-born Labour MP Conor McGinn said he was doing so “with reluctance and some disappointment”.
He added: “This measure is long overdue. Northern Ireland is the anomaly on these islands when it comes to LGBT rights. My constituents in St Helens and people in London, Dublin, Cardiff and Edinburgh can all get married to the person they love. “But same-sex couples in Northern Ireland are denied that basic right. That is wrong and it must finally be corrected,” he said.
The Northern Ireland Assembly has voted on marriage equality five times, finally approving it by 53 votes to 52 in November 2015. However, the legislation was blocked by a DUP petition of concern.
The Independent reports:
Theresa May has refused to intervene to legalise same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland, despite the “limbo” in Belfast after the collapse of power-sharing. The prime minister was accused of “hiding behind the DUP” [Democratic Unionist Party] by refusing to act on the issue – despite “overwhelming” public support in the province.
But Ms May insisted it was a “devolved matter”, to be dealt with “soon” at Stormont – despite the 15-month failure to restore the executive and assembly there. The controversy was raised in the Commons because a backbench Bill to introduce same-sex marriage has been brought forward jointly by a Labour MP and a Tory peer.
Yesterday an identical same-sex marriage bill advanced in the House of Lords. The British Parliament has taken up the issue because Northern Ireland’s devolved government collapsed in late 2016 and has not yet reformed.
The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) (Northern Ireland) Bill presented by @ConorMcGinn MP has passed its first reading at Westminster. Thank you! #EqualMarriageNI
— Love Equality NI (@Love_EqualityNI) March 28, 2018
We demand marriage equality in Northern Ireland now! #EqualMarriageNI pic.twitter.com/hUTLJKE48F
— Amnesty UK LGBTI (@AmnestyUK_LGBTI) March 28, 2018
Labour MP @ConorMcGinn has introduced a bill in the Commons to legalise same sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
Calling himself a practising Catholic he says: “I believe I’m living the message of the gospel in this holy week.” pic.twitter.com/Sw2pCMhMij— BBC Parliament (@BBCParliament) March 28, 2018
I’m proud to be co-sponsoring @ConorMcGinn‘s #EqualMarriageNI Bill today.
It’s time for equal marriage in Northern Ireland.
#LoveIsEqual pic.twitter.com/2xcYFLuBBg
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) March 28, 2018
“LGBT rights in Northern Ireland are in limbo” @Gedk asking the PM to “stop hiding behind the DUP” on gay marriage
“I hope the Hon Gentleman will recognise the record this government has in relation to LGBT rights – an issue we have taken up and championed” @theresa_may #pmqs pic.twitter.com/CMideK2aiJ
— BBC Daily Politics and Sunday Politics (@daily_politics) March 28, 2018