PLEASE READ, REBLOG AND GET INVOLVED - NORTHERN IRELAND MARRIAGE EQUALITY. - PROJECTĀ āDEAR ARLENEā.
NORTHERN IRELAND REMAINS THE ONLY CORNER OF THE BRITISH ISLES WHERE MARRIAGE REMAINS UNEQUAL.
Arlene Foster, the First Minister of Northern Ireland, has insisted that same-sex marriage is ānot at the topā of her in tray as her own party continues to block progress on the issue. Northern Irelandās Democratic Unionist Party has promised to keep blocking equal marriage in their 2016 Assembly manifesto. The party will continue to block same sex marriage as long as they are in power.
Same-sex marriage is legal in England, Wales, Scotland. This month last year the Republic of Ireland became the first country to legalise same sex marriage by popular vote. Northern Ireland is now alone in banning same-sex couples from getting married, and the government also refuses to recognise such marriages conducted elsewhere. Ultimately, this means that lesbian and gay couples in Northern Ireland are being discriminated against.
The Northern Irish Assembly backed equal marriage by a vote of 53 to 51 last year ā but the DUP used peace process powers to override the democratic process and block equality for a fifth time. The party has been accused of abusing petitions of concern, which were introduced to encourage power-sharing and cross-community support, to āvetoā marriage legislation despite clear majority support.
The goal is to achieve civil marriage equality in Northern Ireland - that is, access to civil marriage for any two people regardless of their gender. Civil marriage is different and distinct from religious marriage: it is a state-recognised legal contract between spouses, via signing the civil marriage register. It takes place in a registry office or other non-religious venue.
Churches and other places of worship will be able to continue with religious ceremonies and will not be required to conduct wedding ceremonies for same-sex couples. These rights would be protected by law. Allowing lesbian and gay people to get married will have no effect on anyone elseās marriage. It is time for Northern Ireland's politicians to vote for equality for all citizens.
LETS GET THE NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLYāS ATTENTION!!!
I have decided that enough is enough. This isnāt fair. Northern Ireland is a beautiful country, but itās embarrassing how behind we are in terms of equality. I have decided to launch a project āDear Arleneā to get the attention from our First Minister, Arlene Foster. Ā
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT INVOLVE?
Itās pretty simple! I want to collect as many postcards addressed to Arlene and the DUP party as possible! I want everyone to design an A5 postcard themed on the topic of gay rights/same sex marriage. You can get as creative as you want! You could draw, paint, write, include photographs, whatever you think will catch the eye of the First Minister of Northern Ireland. Tell the DUP how important equal marriage is. I want people worldwide to get involved. Ā Please donāt include anything offensive, I wonāt include anything involving hate.
WHEN SHOULD THE POSTCARD BE COMPLETED?
I want to collect as many postcards as I can before Saturday 6th August. This is the day of Belfastās Annual Gay Pride parade. I want to go to Stormont Buildings and hand deliver all the postcards I receive to Arlene Foster herself.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
When you have designed your postcard simply scan it and send it to [email protected]
I will then get the finished products professionally printed to be brought to the First Minister.
PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!!
Saturday 6th August isnāt a very long time span. I need as much help as I can get to spread the word about project āDear Arleneā. Please reblog this post to all your followers so we can try and get as many people as possible on board. Follow this blog so you can see updates and progress. I will post any postcards I receive on the page.
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