A motion on same-sex marriage has been defeated in the Northern Ireland Assembly. 46% of those who voted were in favour, and 54% against.

All 34 of the nationalist MLAs at Stormont who had their say were for the motion, but 92% of unionists rejected it.

Its the third time in the last 18 months that subject has been debated there.

The DUP had tabled a petition of concern - meaning it would never have passed anyway.

Earlier this week, Catholic bishops here called on politicians in the North to reject the motion. 

The bishops, led by Primate of All Ireland Cardinal Sean Brady, had asked the MLAs not to "undermine the principle of equality" by applying it to what they describe as "two fundamentally different types of relationship".

They say that same-sex couples are already provided for by legislation in the North and all people are equal in the eyes of God.

However the bishops say they want marriage between women and men to be strengthened as a "unique and highly valued institution" and say the Marriage Equality motion should be rejected.