Same-sex marriage vote (Northern Ireland)

In a nutshell

A vote on whether Westminster should legalise same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland in the absence of the devolved Assembly in Belfast.

The details

In July 2019, the Government introduced a Bill to delay the requirement to hold elections in Northern Ireland in the ongoing absence of a devolved Assembly in Belfast. This was intended to be dealt with as emergency legislation and pass all its stages in the House of Commons in one day. However, under pressure, the Government allowed time to discuss amendments on same-sex marriage and several other issues in a Committee of the Whole House.

Conor McGinn MP tabled an amendment on same-sex marriage. It required the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to legalise same-sex marriage by regulations, unless power-sharing resumed before 21 October 2019.

On 9 July 2019 the amendment passed by 383 votes to 73.

MPs had liberty to vote according to their conscience.

How we recorded the vote

  • Voted for Westminster legalising same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland
  • Voted against Westminster legalising same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland
  • Abstained or was absent on the vote on Westminster legalising same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland
  • Abstained deliberately on the vote on Westminster legalising same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland