MPs vote to extend abortion and same-sex marriage rights to Northern Ireland

[muriel_volestrangler]

MPs have voted resoundingly to extend both same-sex marriage and access to abortion to Northern Ireland, bringing the region into line with the rest of the UK on two of the most significant social issues of the era.

The Commons voted 383 to 73 to pass the same-sex marriage amendment to a largely technical bill on the stalled Northern Ireland assembly, tabled by the Labour MP Conor McGinn, a longstanding campaigner for equal marriage in Northern Ireland.

In a subsequent vote MPs approved an amendment by another Labour MP, Stella Creasy, to extend abortion rights to Northern Ireland, the only part of the UK where it remains illegal. The vote was passed by 332 to 99.

Both second reading amendments were free votes for MPs, as they were viewed as a matter of conscience.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jul/09/mps-vote-to-extend-same-sex-marriage-to-northern-ireland

At last.

[Soph0571]

1. Won't happen.... as much as I want it to

I mean in principal it might happen - but in practice... they will handle the abortion law the way the deep south does in America for sure.....none of the main parties in NI want abortion... even if the progressive parties they are pushing for LBTQ rights to marry but not for reproductive justice for women.

It is really good news - but as a woman who grew up in NI and know how conservative they are - I will believe it when I actually see it

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. June 2018: Sinn Fein votes to liberalise abortion law in Northern Ireland

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jun/16/sinn-fein-votes-to-liberalise-abortion-law-in-northern-ireland

[Ghost Dog]

3. Can Westminster not just impose laws on Stormont?

Constitutionally?

[Soph0571]

4. Yes it can - particulary as the devolved gov is not sitting

BUT that is a real political hot potato at the moment -