Tag Archives: marriage

Narrowly…

A MOTION to introduce same-sex marriage in the North was narrowly defeated in the Northern Ireland Assembly yesterday when only three unionist members supported it.

However, equality campaigners hailed the closeness of the vote as evidence of changed times. The motion to extend the rights already available under civil partnership was brought by Sinn Féin and the Green Party, but it was effectively blocked by the DUP, which tabled a “petition of concern”, meaning it needed cross-community support.

The vote was lost by a slim margin of 45 to 49. Of the 45 MLAs in support of the motion, only three were unionists.

Still.

Progress.

DUP Blocks Same-Sex Marriage Proposals (Una Bradley, Irish Times)

Northern Ireland Assembly Rejects Motion On Gay Marriage (Henry McDonald, Guardian)

(Pic: Paul Faith/PA)

Scenes from yesterday’s LGBT NOISE March for Marriage in Dublin

Pic 6: Linda Hegarty (left) from Dublin and Sara McClelland from Belfast.

Pic 7: Thomas McGrath (left) and Rowland Bennett, both from Tipperary.

Pic 9: Vogue Williams.

Pic 11: Jade Mulhall and Joanne Chee

Elsewhere: Adam And Steve, Eve And Niamh, etc.

(Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland)

THE GOVERNMENT is expected to agree today to back legislation giving humanists the same status as organised religions and civil registrars in conducting marriage ceremonies.

The Bill proposes to amend the Civil Registration Act 2004, which regulates the registration of civil marriages.

The 2004 Act stipulates that, apart from Health Service Executive registrars, only a member of a “religious body” may celebrate legal marriages.

This is defined as “an organised group of people, members of which meet regularly for common religious worship”.

This includes organisations such as the Pagan Federation Ireland and the Spiritualist Union of Ireland, which have obtained registration under the Act.

But the definition excludes members of the Humanist Association of Ireland, who currently conduct humanist wedding ceremonies even though these are not legally recognised.

Bill proposes full legal status for humanist weddings (Irish Times)

The signs:

1. Staying up late to watch TV alone

2. Reading with the light on while partner tries to sleep

3. Using cost as an excuse to avoid a date

4. Answering ‘nothing’ when asked ‘What’s the matter?’

5. Avoiding arguments because it’s too much effort

6. Feeling frustrated at partner’s work moaning rather than concerned

7. Avoiding being with each other.

The Seven Sure Signs Your Marriage Is In Trouble (Irish Independent)