Northern Ireland Lawmakers Pass Same-Sex Marriage Bill, But Right-Wing Party Kills It

A narrow victory for same-sex marriage has been scuttled by Northern Ireland’s right wing conservative party.

Conservative right wing lawmakers in Northern Ireland’s Assembly minutes ago killed a successful vote for marriage equality, despite the bill receiving a slim majority of votes. The final tally was 53 in favor, 52 opposed. This is the fifth vote on same-sex marriage lawmakers have held.

The Democratic Unionists Party, which in recent years has tried to broaden its appeal by reaching out to Catholics, used a procedural tactic known as a parliamentary veto or “petition of concern” to scuttle the bill. The DUP, Northern Ireland’s largest party, made clear before today’s vote it opposed legalizing same-sex unions.

An unscientific online poll at the Belfast Telegram shows 89 percent support same-sex marriage.

The Telegram notes optimistically “the gap is closing. When gay marriage was last voted on in June there was only a two-vote difference overall, with the motion defeated by just 49 votes to 47.”

Member of the Legislative Assembly Trevor Lunn (photo) voted for marriage equality for the first time, a sign the movement is gaining ground.

68 percent of Northern Ireland adults support the right of same-sex couples to marry.

Last week, a same-sex marriage bill was signed into law in Ireland. Weddings will begin in about a week or two.

 

Image: Screenshot via Northern Ireland Assembly