ABORTION and same-sex marriage are set to be legal in Northern Ireland within hours in a watershed moment for women's and gay rights.
After decades of campaigning, women will no longer be prosecuted for accessing an abortion in the region from midnight tonight.
Marriage rights for same-sex couples will be able to give 28 days' notice to marry from January 13, 2020, with the first weddings due to take place on Valentine's Day.
Medical providers will start offering abortion services in Northern Ireland from March 2020, but women will be assisted in accessing abortion services in England in the interim.
A near blanket ban on abortion has been in place since 1861, even in cases of rape, incest and fatal foetal abnormality.
'INCREDIBLE MOMENT'
Abortion is a devolved issue, but these two landmark changes were made possible by the collapse of the Stormont government in 2017.
With no sitting government in Northern Ireland, Westminster MPs have used its prerogative to pass laws on the region's behalf – as it did in these two separate laws.
Same-sex couples across the region have been celebrating the landmark moment with a mock wedding reception.
But the ultra-conservative DUP rushed back to the assembly today, for the first time in three years, solely to demonstrate their opposition.
How did the votes go through?
- The Stormont Assembly last sat on March 13, 2017 in the wake of a snap election caused by the implosion of the devolved institutions two months earlier – and hasn't reconvened since.
- Westminster MPs have since been able to make decisions that would usually be given to devolved governments.
- In this case, two MPs succesfully amended a technical Government bill to bring forward two free votes on abortion and equal marriage.
- MPs were allowed to vote as a matter of conscience (without a party whip) and voted overwhelmingly in favour of both.
- The law changes regarding abortion and marriage could only be stopped if the crisis-hit devolved executive is revived prior to the midnight deadline – a turn of events that is extremely unlikely.
However, the debate cannot affect tonight's change in legislation, leading to Alliance and Sin Fein describing their plans a "stunt".
The return was triggered by a petition by anti-abortion campaign group Both Lives Matter, signed by members of the legislative assembly to force a recall.
Amnesty International's Northern Ireland director, Patrick Corrigan, a member of the Love Equality campaign, said same-sex marriage for the region was "an incredible moment for so many people".
“Within a few short months, same-sex couples here will be tying the knot," he said.
"That is a great cause for celebration, for them, their families and for all who have led and supported this campaign for equality."
The focus on Northern Ireland's outdated laws came after Republic of Ireland voted in favour of repealing the eight amendment and legalising abortion in May 2018, with 66.4 per cent of voters in favour.
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