QR News: Thousands attend equal marriage rallies in Belfast and Derry

An estimated 5000 people are expected to have attended a rally in Belfast City Centre organised by Love Equality NI, with thousands more attending a sister rally in Londonderry, calling for equal marriage to be legalised in Northern Ireland.

Among those attending the march today included Labour MP Conor McGinn, whose proposed bill last month calling for the legalisation of equal marriage in Northern Ireland was blocked by Westminster.

In a speech directed towards attendees, McGinn reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that equal marriage was extended to Northern Ireland, which remains the only region in the United Kingdom where same-sex marriage is illegal. McGinn also stated that, “Change is coming, and we’re not going to let you stop it.” Representing Queen’s Students Union at the rally was SU President Stephen McCrystall and former QUBSU officer Oisín Hassan, stating on Twitter, “@OisinH1: The North is next! Pride in all our students, North and South. As a Derry man who cannot get married at home, currently living in Dublin, educated in Belfast, I’ll never stop campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights on this island #March4MarriageEquality”.

The last time the issue of equal marriage was brought to the forefront of Northern Irish politics was in 2015, in which the motion was blocked by a petition of concern imposed by the DUP. However, the lack of legislation only spurred on campaigners more – calling for an end to political stalemate in Stormont, and suggesting that Westminster intervene to allow a step towards equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

Outgoing Lord Mayor of Belfast, Nuala McAllister was another prominent figure voicing her support today for the march, telling the BBC that, “This will not harm your marriage, nor anyone else's. This is about celebrating love between two people. There is nothing to be afraid of.” Ms McAllister also raised concern about the abuse of the petition of concern, stating that “too many people in the Assembly abuse” the clause.

Whilst political stalemate continues to hinder progress in Northern Ireland, the sheer volume of campaigners calling for marriage equality demonstrate how important this legislation is for protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.  

Get involved with Love Equality NI here

Write to your MPs and MLAs about marriage equality here

By Jessica Lawrence