Out actor Sir Ian McKellen has backed a
proposed bill that would allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in Northern
Ireland.
It is the fifth attempt at marriage
equality in Northern Ireland, the sole part of the UK where gay couples are
excluded from civil marriage.
“As a gay Englishman, whose ancestors
hail from County Antrim, I am concerned that the Northern Ireland Assembly
should establish full legal equality for LGBT residents in Northern Ireland,”McKellen wrote.
“Northern Irish people should
not be the victims at home of specious arguments in favour of inequality. They
should not have to travel to Britain nor to the Republic, to be treated
equally.”
“Just as coming out as a gay person,
changes one’s life entirely for the better, coming out as a country, in favour
of equality, will bring credit to the entire citizenry, regardless of their
sexuality or gender.”
“I hope the vote will give us all a
chance to celebrate the unity of civil rights already enjoyed by LGBT people in
adjacent countries,” he added.
While the proposal is expected to
narrowly clear the region's parliament, the Democratic Unionists (DUP), the
largest party in the Stormont assembly, has threatened to torpedo the
legislation with a “petition of concern,” which blocks bills not widely supported
by leading parties.
Good for him! Thank you for posting this!
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