Northern Ireland MPs vote to lift ban on equal marriage and abortion

The Members of Parliament of Northern Ireland have overwhelmingly voted to lift the bans on equal marriage and abortion, according to the Amnesty United Kingdom. The human rights organization lauded the step and said we are now just a small stone’s throw away from human rights history and that if this law is passed the people will finally have the rights they deserve.

BREAKING: MPs have voted overwhelmingly to lift the bans on equal marriage and abortion in Northern Ireland. We’re now just a small stone’s throw away from human rights history. Once this law is passed the people will finally have the rights they deserve. #NowForNI #LoveEquality pic.twitter.com/XLyBZNWjgM

— Amnesty UK (@AmnestyUK) July 18, 2019

The emotive debate on the subject took place yesterday in the House of Lords. However, the government said there will have to be a consultation period of between eight and twelve weeks over the abortion changes. The consultation will explore how the changes will be implemented but not whether they will happen. 

The amendments to the Northern Ireland Bill - which were tabled by Conor McGinn MP (concerning equal marriage) and Stella Creasy MP (concerning abortion) - were voted through by 383 votes to 73 for equal marriage and 332 votes to 99 for abortion. Under the legislation, the Government will be obliged to extend marriage equality to Northern Ireland and legislate for abortion by 21 October, unless devolution is restored