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Demonstrators in Belfast call for same-sex marriage to be legalised in North

Marriage equality activists have taken part in a rally in Belfast calling for same-sex marriage t...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

15.40 18 May 2019


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Demonstrators in Belfast call...

Demonstrators in Belfast call for same-sex marriage to be legalised in North

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

15.40 18 May 2019


Share this article


Marriage equality activists have taken part in a rally in Belfast calling for same-sex marriage to be legalised in Northern Ireland.

Sara Canning, the partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, was among those taking part.

Earlier this week, Sara called on the the UK government to legislate from Westminster.

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She said: "The law in Northern Ireland says that the love that Lyra and I shared is not equal.

"It is unbelievable, and simply unacceptable, that in 2019, this discrimination is allowed to continue in any part of the UK or Ireland."

Politicians including Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill and the SDLP's Colum Eastwood were among those at the demonstration today.

Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill (right) and Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson take part in a march in Belfast city centre demanding same sex marriage in Northern Ireland. Picture by: Brian Lawless/PA Wire/PA Images

Ahead of the rally, Patrick Corrigan from Love Equality said he remains confident it will be legalised.

However, he suggested the Irish government also has a part to play in the process.

He argued: "The momentum is unstoppable - and if Stormont isn't fit to deliver it, we need Westminster do the job instead.

"We'd like to see the Irish government get behind that call, and stand up for same-sex couples in Northern Ireland.

"There are Irish citizens as well as British citizens being denied that right in Northern Ireland."

A Sky Data opinion poll conducted earlier this year showed 76% of people in the North support legalising same-sex marriage.

Main image: Sara Canning (front centre), partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, marching with protesters through Belfast city centre demanding same sex marriage in Northern Ireland. Picture by: Brian Lawless/PA Wire/PA Images

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