Northern Ireland Faces High Court Challenge

File:Northern Ireland outline.svgNorthern Ireland's marriage law will be challenged in Belfast high court this week.

Northern Ireland is now the only part of the UK that does not recognise gay marriage. England and Wales welcomed its first gay marriages in March with Scotland having followed in December. Civil partnerships may have been legal in Northern Ireland since 2005, but, presently, there are no plans to introduce same-sex marriages.

We reported last week that Amnesty International were planning to launch a legal bid, too. For many LGBT campaigners, the current lack of legislation contravenes both UK and European law. Equal marriage advocates believe very strongly that gay people should have the same legal rights as everyone else.

One couple, however, are planning their own legal challenge.
Married in England, but now living in Northern Ireland, the pair are not recognised as a married couple by the Northern Ireland Government. They believe this is unfair, and they are not alone.

In February 2014, the Belfast Telegraph reported that public opinion was growing in favour of gay marriage.

"Attitudes towards same-sex relationships are softening in Northern Ireland with over half of us now in favour of gay marriage."


It'll certainly be interesting to see how this plays out over the coming months. We'll be sure to keep you updated on any news. Obviously, we wish campaigners the best of luck in securing Northern Ireland as a place where same-sex couples can enjoy equality both socially and legally. 



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