A modest proposal
For some years now, Northern Ireland has been debating the introduction of marriage for same-sex couples. Polls show strong support for such reform amongst the public. A majority in the Assembly now supports change but, due to the lack of sufficient cross community support in the chamber, equal marriage currently remains elusive. England and Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland have all extended marriage to same sex couples. This may be a persuasive factor. That said, the fact that ‘everyone else is doing it’ is not a compelling reason in itself to follow suit. Northern Ireland must decide for itself. While the prospect of same-sex couples marrying may seem radical to some, I suggest that it is in fact a relatively modest proposal. Same-sex couples in Northern Ireland may already enter into civil partnership, and have been able to do so for 11 years now. Civil partners enjoy virtually all of the same rights and obligations as married couples