06/02/2013

Govt Votes In Favour Of Marriage Equality

Marriage Equality welcomed news that members of Parliament in the UK have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, opening up civil marriage to same sex couples in England and Wales. The Bill – the result of a lengthy consultation process over the past months – was debated extensively in the House of Commons, before being passed by a margin of 400 votes to 175.

"This is a wonderful step forward for same sex couples in England and Wales, who will now be able to marry the person they love," said Marriage Equality Director Moninne Griffith. "The UK Government – and Prime Minister David Cameron in particular - has shown inspiring leadership on this issue, and today it has paid off. Today's vote has sent an important message that same sex couples deserve to be treated the same as anyone else and their relationships and families recognised and protected in the same way as other married couples and families. Now, England and Wales have joined countries like the Netherlands, Canada, Spain and South Africa as leaders in the movement to respect and protect all families."

In Ireland, the provision of marriage equality is set to be discussed by the Constitutional Convention on April 13th and 14th. Recent polling carried out by Millward Brown Lansdowne for Marriage Equality, found that 75% of people would vote yes in a referendum to extend civil marriage to same sex couples – an increase of 12% from previous research in 2008.

(CD/GK)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

15 January 2015
Labour Welcomes Poll Showing Support For Marriage Equality
A new poll has revealed that up to 80% of people support same-sex marriage, Labour Party TD and Co-Chair of Labour LGBT, John Lyons, has said. Highlighting the Red C/Paddy Power poll, Mr Lyons said: "(The) poll builds upon consecutive national polls which show consistent support to afford gay and lesbian couples the right to civil marriage.
23 May 2016
412 Same-Sex Marriages In Ireland Since Referendum
Over 400 same sex marriages have taken place in Ireland since the passing of the Marriage Equality Referendum on 23 May 2015. The largest number of marriages have taken place in Dublin, with 213 couples getting married in the last year.
17 September 2015
Marriage Bill 2015 To Be Published
The Irish Government has approved the publication of the Marriage Bill 2015. The Marriage Bill 2015 will update the country's laws on marriages to enable couples to marry without distinction as to their sex, following a 'Yes' vote in a Marriage Equality referendum in May of this year. Article 41.
29 May 2015
Marriage Equality Bill To Be Enacted Before Summer Recess
Ireland's new Marriage Equality could be enacted by the end of July, Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald has said. The minister said that she was "particularly proud" that the right to marriage equality will be "enshrined in our Constitution as a result of a popular vote.
11 November 2015
New Regulations To Make It Easier For Civil Partners To Get Married
New regulations have been introduced to make it easier for civil partners who now wish to marry following the commencement of the Marriage Act 2015. Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, has signed the Regulations and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald signed the Commencement Order for the Act at a ceremony in Dublin Castle.