Marriage equality has come to Northern Ireland, along with the decriminalisation of abortion, after the passing of a parliamentary deadline.
Northern Ireland is currently operating without an Executive branch of government, with ministerial positions split between the conservative DUP, and the left-leaning Sinn Fein party.
In the absence of the usual devolved government, the UK government had promised not to impose British marriage equality laws onto Northern Ireland.
Now that the deadline of October 21st has passed without the reformation of a devolved parliament, Northern Ireland’s laws will come into line with the rest of the United Kingdom.
Northern Ireland’s assembly had voted with a majority in favour of marriage equality on numerous occasions since 2015, with each attempt being blocked by the DUP, who invoked the Petition of Concern to block any changes to marriage law.
Stormont must now enact regulations to allow for same-sex marriage by January 13th, 2020. Weddings are expected to commence from February, due to the 28-day period that must occur after declaring intention to marry.
OIP Staff
