NI rejects gay marriage for the fourth time

 

	NI rejects gay marriage for the fourth time A motion calling for the redefinition of marriage has been defeated in the Northern Ireland Assembly for the fourth time in three years. MLAs rejected calls to introduce same-sex marriage by 49 votes to 47 this afternoon. Colin Hart, Director of Coalition for Marriage, said: “This is welcome news. After four attempts, which could never have led to legislation, it’s now time for those obsessed with trying to redefine marriage to finally accept that this side of the 2016 Assembly elections there is no way that same-sex marriage could become law in the Province.” The motion could not have led to legislation because the DUP tabled a ‘petition of concern’. This mechanism requires a majority of MLAs from both unionist and nationalist communities to support the measure. However, it does stand as another reminder to those seeking to force gay marriage on the Province that there are still many opposed to their plans. MLAs defeated three similar attempts to introduce gay marriage, in 2012, 2013 and again last year. Ashers case significant for free speech The issue of same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland has been brought into public focus following the case of Ashers Baking Company. The bakery was put on trial by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) which accused it of breaking discrimination laws when it turned down an order to print the words “Support Gay Marriage” on one of its cakes. Ashers’ barrister told the court that writing the message would have gone against the family’s deeply-held religious beliefs and if Ashers were to lose its case then other businesses would also be forced to promote causes with which they fundamentally disagree. The judge is considering the evidence and a ruling is not expected for a number of weeks. Read more at c4m.org.uk C4M speaks out against NI quango’s attempt to force bakery to endorse gay marriage NI bakers defend their marriage stance on day 2 of court hearing The background and implications of the Ashers case C4M’s Dr Sharon James explains the background to the Ashers hearing and what it could mean for other businesses if they lose the case. Watch now. ‘Freedom of speech is under threat’ Watch Dr James at the Ashers event calling on us all to defend the right to say that marriage is between one man and one woman. Watch now. Irish Republic prepares for same-sex marriage vote The Republic of Ireland will hold a referendum on the introduction of same-sex marriage on 22 May. Campaign group Mothers and Fathers Matter are leading the ‘Vote No’ campaign in the face of increasing hostility from activists. In addition to removing opposition posters it is reported that supporters of redefining marriage hacked a pro-life website and told a Polish-Irish volunteer to ‘go home to his own country’ as part of a “campaign of harassment, intimidation and criminality”. For further information go to mothersandfathersmatter.org. Please also share this link with your friends in the Irish Republic. Please consider making a donation to support the vital work of Coalition for Marriage in safeguarding those who hold to traditional marriage.  DONATE  Your donations are secure and confidential. Thank you for your continued support. Yours sincerely, Colin Hart Campaign Director Coalition for Marriage

http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=09b50bf032ab47d3992863a44&id=55cb934efa&e=26e5696af2