Redefine marriage in NI, says Labour leader hopeful Corbyn

Marriage should be redefined in Northern Ireland, Labour leadership candidate Jeremy Corbyn has said.

The candidate voted for same-sex marriage in the Westminster Parliament – along with the three other rivals for the Labour leadership – and said he was “very proud” when it was passed in England and Wales.

In Northern Ireland, politicians have voted on same-sex marriage four times since 2012, each time backing the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.

Continued support

Asked about gay marriage at an event in Northern Ireland Corbyn, said: “I have always supported homosexual law reform.

“I supported gay marriage, and I was very proud when it finally went through Parliament. I thought that was an enormous step forward.”

Corbyn, the MP for Islington North, added that he realised there are “sensitivities” on the issue and people hold differing views.

Sensitivities

He is running for the Labour leadership against Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall.

Over the weekend Burnham claimed that he “was the first Labour frontbencher” to call for the introduction of same-sex marriage.

In April 2015 MLAs in the Northern Ireland Assembly voted against a motion calling for the redefinition of marriage.

MLAs previously defeated three similar attempts to introduce gay marriage, in 2012, 2013 and 2014.