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A proposed Westminster law for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland will be introduced at the end of March.<\/p>\nA proposed Westminster law for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland will be introduced at the end of March.<\/p>\n
South Armagh-born Labour MP Conor McGinn said he would table a private member’s bill.<\/p>\n
Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley has previously said MPs would be given a free vote.<\/p>\n
It follows the collapse of talks to restore the Stormont devolved institutions, where the DUP remain firmly opposed to the measure.<\/p>\n
Mr McGinn said: “My preference is for a fully functioning Executive and Assembly to deal with this issue, but LGBT couples in Northern Ireland should not be made to wait a moment longer for their basic rights.<\/p>\n
“That is why I am introducing this Bill at the earliest available opportunity. It will test the mood of the House of Commons and I am very confident that we will win any vote. It is then for the Government to legislate.<\/p>\n
“If my constituents in St Helens can marry the person they love, just like people in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin, then I don’t see why couples in Belfast should not be able to do the same.”<\/p>\n
Patrick Corrigan of the Love Equality campaign for civil marriage equality said he would work closely with Mr McGinn in preparation of the private member’s bill.<\/p>\n
He added: “We will be working to build support for the Bill from MPs across the UK and are confident of a convincing majority in favour.<\/p>\n
“We now look to Parliament to uphold the rights of people in Northern Ireland and to respond to overwhelming public support here.<\/p>\n
“However, the rights of LGBT people in Northern Ireland to be treated equally should not be left to the Private Member’s Bill process.<\/p>\n
“We repeat our call on the UK Government to introduce legislation to bring Northern Ireland’s laws on marriage equality into line with the rest of the UK and Ireland.”<\/p>\n
The Love Equality campaign for equal civil marriage in Northern Ireland is led by the Rainbow Project, Amnesty International, Irish Congress of Trade Unions and other civic organisations.<\/p>\n