It's Official: Marriage Equality Has Arrived In Northern Ireland

Marriage equality has found its way to Northern Ireland as of Monday (January 13).

Couples are finally able to register to wed in the country, with the first ceremonies scheduled to commence in February. For those same-sex couples who are already married, the government will officially recognize their union as legal. Meanwhile, those who are already in a civil partnership will now be able to convert it to a marriage. North Ireland is the last region in the U.K. to recognize same-sex marriage after the Parliament legalized both it, as well as abortion, last October.

"It's a good day for Northern Ireland, an important day for citizens' rights across these islands and an exciting day for same-sex couples who can now register to marry," Labour MP Conor McGinn said. "For too long, LGBT+ people in Northern Ireland have been treated as second-class citizens. So, today is an incredible moment for same-sex couples who can finally marry and have their relationships recognised as equal."

Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International referred to the milestone as "historic day for equality and human rights in Northern Ireland." "For too long, LGBT+ people in Northern Ireland have been treated as second-class citizens. So, today is an incredible moment for same-sex couples who can finally marry and have their relationships recognized as equal."

Photo: Getty Images


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content