Court of Appeals in Northern Ireland hears case on same-sex marriage

The issue of same-sex marriage continues to hit roadblocks in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland remains the only part of the UK where same-sex marriage is illegal. The area has been without a government since January 2017 as battling parties Sinn Fein and the DUP have yet to reach a power-sharing deal. This leaves the issue of equal marriage in a state of limbo.

However, the Court of Appeals may see progress on the issue today. The Courts are hearing a challenge made by an anonymous same-sex couple who wish to have their marriage recognised in Northern Ireland after being wed in England. Currently, same-sex marriages are only recognised as civil partnerships in the region. They are arguing this violates their human rights. The case is known as ‘Petition X’.

Last year a similar case made its way to the High Court, with Justice O’Hara rejecting the challenge. A same-sex couple attempted to have their marriage recognised, however, the judge ruled against it, explaining: “It is not at all difficult to understand how gay men and lesbians who have suffered discrimination, rejection and exclusion feel so strongly about the maintenance in Northern Ireland of the barrier to same-sex marriage.

“However, the judgment which I have to reach is not based on social policy but on the law.

“To the frustration of supporters of same-sex marriage, the Assembly has not yet passed into law any measure to recognise and introduce same-sex marriage.

“Their frustration is increased by the fact that the Assembly has voted by a majority in favour of same-sex marriage, but by reason of special voting arrangements which reflect the troubled past of this State, that majority has not been sufficient to give the vote effect in law.”

Tim Gibson - mygwork

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