Equality: Hung Parliament

Lord Cashman Excerpts

Thursday 29th June 2017 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

My Lords, the Civil Partnership Act introduced the concept of civil partnerships to the entirety of the UK. We now have same-sex marriage in England and Wales, and of course in Scotland, too. In Northern Ireland, same-sex marriage is not currently available but, again, it is a devolved matter. We must respect the democratic decision of the Northern Ireland Government. However, it behoves all of us to encourage those in Northern Ireland to look at this issue again and perhaps one day allow same-sex marriage.

[Lord Cashman (Lab)]

My Lords, I would like to press the Minister a little further, given the comments of the noble Lord, Lord Lexden. Does she find it acceptable that people in Northern Ireland are denied equality that is available elsewhere in the United Kingdom, especially on the issues of same-sex marriage and the rights to abortion?

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

My Lords, I am not entirely sure what I can add further. These are devolved matters, and at the moment that is the way they will stay.