Equal marriage rally underway in Belfast
By Ben Kelly
A rally is underway in Belfast to show support for the introduction of same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland. The #MarchForEquality is expected to be attended by about 3,000 people, who are assembling from 2.30pm in the city centre.
The rally has been organised jointly by Amnesty International, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and The Rainbow Project, and will culminate with speeches later this afternoon at Belfast City Hall.
Many local celebrities have voiced their support for the campaign this week, including singer Brian Kennedy, Olympic boxer Paddy Barnes, and Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody.
Same sex marriage has not yet been legalised in Northern Ireland, where it is a devolved issue for the Northern Ireland Assembly. The DUP – who share power in the Assembly – have blocked its passage four times in the past two years.
Same sex marriage is supported across the country’s other parties, including Sinn Fein, the SDLP, and the Alliance party.