First Same-Sex Marriages in Northern Ireland

JupiterKid · 07-12-2020 2:55pm #1

So finally, after years of stalling and opposition by the DUP bigots (surprise, surprise!) in Stormont, the first same-sex couple in Northern Ireland - Ciara McCann and Amanda McGurk - was formally married this morning in a civil ceremony.

It is expected that most of the over 1,300 same-sex couples in NI with civil unions will convert these into full marriages over the coming year.

News article linked below:
https://www.rte.ie/news/ulster/2020/1207/1182853-ulster-same-sex-marriage/

L1011 · 07-12-2020 8:48pm

They're not the first - there's some really badly worded articles. These are conversion ceremonies for those with Civil Partnerships which were delayed by months legislatively. The notable thing is that the conversion backdates the marriage date to the original ceremony date for all legal purposes.

Marriages started in February - https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/first-same-sex-marriage-takes-place-in-northern-ireland-1.4170502

Ten of Swords · 07-12-2020 9:24pm

Yes I recall the first wedding taking place back in February, it was all over the news back then

https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0211/1114490-same-sex-marriage-northern-ireland/

But it is nice to see that civil unions are now correctly being recognized as full marriages

Peregrinus · 09-12-2020 2:34am

Ten of Swords wrote: »

. . . But it is nice to see that civil unions are now correctly being recognized as full marriages

SFAIK they are not "recognised as full marriages". I think the deal is that if you are in a civil union you can now opt to "upgrade" that to a marriage. But it's up each couple; you can remain in a civil union if you wish, and if you do you will be treated as civil partners, not spouses.

Gael23 · 09-12-2020 11:38pm

I’m sure Arlene was first in the queue with her warmest regards

First Same-Sex Marriages in Northern Ireland

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