Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what her policy is on equal marriage for same-sex couples in Northern Ireland; and if she will bring forward legislative proposals on that policy.

In accordance with the Belfast Agreement, this is a devolved matter which should be addressed in the NI Assembly; but the power of the Westminster Parliament to legislate remains unaffected. If this issue were to be raised in Westminster, the Government’s policy is to allow a free vote on matters of conscience such as equal marriage.