Write a commentA motion in relation to same sex marriage is being brought before Newry, Mourne and Down District Council next month by Independent Newry city councillor Kevin McAteer.
If passed, it would see the council call upon the Northern Ireland Executive to introduce legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry. The motion, follows the landmark yes vote which legalised same-sex marriage by referendum in the South of Ireland. It also follows a successful Alliance Party motion at Belfast City Council endorsing same-sex marriage.
Speaking on the issue the independent councillor stated “This motion is extremely important to promote equality throughout our district. Marriage equality is important and it concerns me that in 2015 Northern Ireland has become such a backward part of Europe whereby it is one of very few countries that has not passed same-sex marriage. In Europe, same-sex marriage is now legal in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden – as well as Scotland, England and Wales inside the United Kingdom. I hope that our fellow councillors will back the motion.
Recently renowned rights activist Peter Tatchell has even branded Northern Ireland the ‘most homophobic place in Western Europe’. This is unsurprising given the DUP-led efforts of Stormont to block same-sex marriage on numerous occasions. It is about time local councils stepped forward to rally public opinion around this vital issue.”
