More than 100 MPs back vote to change abortion and marriage equality laws in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is the only province in the UK which does not recognise same-sex marriages
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
More than 100 MPs have backed a vote to change abortion and marriage equality laws in Northern Ireland.
A number of prominent Conservative MPs are among those set to pressure Theresa May and the UK government to change the archaic and discriminatory laws in the province – which is the only place in the UK where gay marriage is still illegal.
The amendment, which is set to be voted on this evening, would force the government to address the ‘incompatibility’ of human rights with the ongoing laws.
At least 107 MPs have signed the cross-party amendment and include Tories Tom Tugenhat, Justine Greening, James Duddridge, Tim Loughton and Ed Vaizey.
Labour MP Stella Creasy said: “The backing shows the strength of feeling across parliament that we cannot ignore the human rights of the people of Northern Ireland.
“Question is whether the Secretary of State will listen and accept responsibility or try to evade it.”