Same-sex marriage was officially authorized on October 21, 2019… But it’s only today that gay marriage has been officially established within Northern Ireland’s institutions.
As of this Monday, same-sex couples will be able to register for marriage in Northern Ireland. This historic step marks further progress for Northern Ireland.
By registering today, the first wedding ceremonies can be celebrated in February 2020.
For same-sex couples already married, their marriage will now be legally recognized in Northern Ireland. Couples already in a civil partnership are not currently allowed to convert it into a marriage. (The Northern Ireland Office is expected to begin a consultation later this year on civil partnership conversion and the role of churches in same-sex marriages).
A great day for Northern Ireland.
As a reminder, homosexuality has long been criminalized in Northern Ireland. Now accepted, gay marriage has in itself become a symbol of progress and evolution in the British Province, often considered too conservative.
The highly religious population seems to be moving towards equal rights for homosexuals. A first in Northern Ireland’s history, it brings the country’s family policy into line with that of the Republic of Ireland, which already allows gay marriage.
Future same-sex marriages should make this type of union “commonplace” in Northern Ireland. I hope that this will help to anchor the idea that marriage is a right open to all… declared one Northern Irishman, determined to make his marriage official in February.
This is a major step forward, which should bring about change in Northern Irish society and create greater equality.
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