Belfast City Council Supports Gay Marriage

Belfast City Council has become the first local authority in Northern Ireland to pass a motion in support of gay marriage.

The motion proposed by Sinn Fein's Mary Ellen Campbell stated: "This council supports the same rights and entitlements to civil marriages for all citizens of Belfast regardless of race, religion or sexuality."

It passed by 21 Sinn Fein and SDLP votes to zero, with unionists and SDLP members walking out before the vote, reports the Belfast Telegraph.

"It is regrettable that people walked away from such a serious issue. However, we are very happy the motion was passed," Sinn Fein Councillor Conor Maskey told the Belfast Telegraph.


"It sends out a strong message on pure equality for people in same-sex relationships."