ABORTION and same-sex marriage are set to be legal in Northern Ireland within hours in a watershed moment for women’s and gay rights.
After decades of campaigning, women will no longer be prosecuted for accessing an abortion from midnight tonight.
Marriage rights for same-sex couples means they will be able to give 28 days’ notice to marry from January 13, 2020, with the first weddings due to take place on Valentine’s Day.
Medical providers will start offering abortion services in Northern Ireland from March 2020, but women will be assisted in accessing abortion services in England in the interim.
A near blanket-ban on abortion has been in place since 1861, even in cases of rape, incest and fatal foetal abnormality.
Abortion is a devolved issue, but these two landmark changes were made possible by the collapse of the Stormont government in 2017.
With no sitting government in Northern Ireland, Westminster MPs have used its prerogative to pass laws on the region’s behalf – as it did with these two separate laws.
Same-sex couples across the region have been celebrating the landmark moment with a mock wedding reception.
But the ultra-conservative DUP rushed back to the assembly today, for the first time in three years, solely to demonstrate their opposition.
However, the debate cannot affect tonight’s change in legislation, leading to Alliance and Sin Fein describing their plans a “stunt”.
The return was triggered by a petition by anti-abortion campaign group Both Lives Matter, signed by members of the legislative assembly to force a recall.
Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland director, Patrick Corrigan, a member of the Love Equality campaign, said same-sex marriage for the region was “an incredible moment for so many people”.
“Within a few short months, same-sex couples here will be tying the knot,” he said.
“That is a great cause for celebration, for them, their families and for all who have led and supported this campaign for equality.”
The focus on Northern Ireland’s outdated laws came after Republic of Ireland voted in favour of repealing the eight amendment and legalising abortion in May 2018, with 66.4 per cent of voters in favour.
