Marriage equality motion being brought before 'Super Council'

Derry City and Strabane District Council will this week be asked to back the call for marriage equality in the North.

Sinn Féin Councillor Colly Kelly will bring a motion before the council on Thursday calling on the “Super Council” to follow in the footsteps of the Republic which recently voted in favour of marriage equality.

Cllr Kelly has also called on people to gather for a short vigil outside the Guildhall at 3.30pm in support of marriage equality prior to the meeting which is set to begin at 4.00pm.

Cllr Kelly said Sinn Féin believed all citizens were entitled to full equality before the law, regardless of their background, including sexual orientation or gender.

He added: “Nothing less can be tolerated in a modern, progressive and inclusive society.

“The recent campaign in the 26 Counties energised and engaged a whole new generation of young people in the democratic process. This result shows when people fully participate in the political process that change is not only possible but inevitable.

“Sinn Féin played a very positive and active role in the Yes campaign. We took our message of equality to the doors, put up posters and engaged in a very active social media campaign.

“The fact so many of our people returned home to vote in this campaign highlighted yet again the need to tackle the issue of voting rights for the diaspora and for Irish citizens in the North.”

Cllr Kelly concluded: “The marriage equality rights that will be enjoyed by Irish citizens in the south must be shared by citizens in the north.