General News / December 7, 2020

Same sex couples can finally convert their civil partnerships into marriage in Northern Ireland

Photo: PA
General News / December 7, 2020

Same sex couples can finally convert their civil partnerships into marriage in Northern Ireland

Words: Katie Gartland

Today, in an important step for equality, the first time a same sex couple from the North converted their civil partnership into marriage.

Northern Ireland has seen its first same-sex marriage today. Cara McCann and Amanda McGurk transformed their civil partnership into a marriage at Belfast City Hall.

The first same-sex couple in Northern Ireland married in February. Today’s legislation has allowed couples to convert their civil partnerships into marriage.

Over 1,300 same-sex civil partnerships in Northern Ireland can now marry. After a campaign by LGBTQ+ activists, legislative change was made in Westminster while Stormont power sharing was suspended.

After her marriage, Cara McCann said “we want to thank everyone who was part of this great movement for love and equality, and which has delivered this wonderful, positive change for our society”.