The Fermanagh-born head of Australia’s marriage equality campaign has called for equal marriage in Northern Ireland following the historic yes vote in Australia’s postal ballot.
Tiernan Brady, is Director of Australians for Equality which ran the marriage equality campaign in Australia in which 62 per cent voted yes in a postal survey about changing the law to allow same-sex couples to marry.
READ: How Australia followed Ireland in putting same-sex marriage to the vote
Mr. Brady previously headed the successful Irish Equality Campaign which saw 62 per cent of Irish citizens vote yes in the 2015 same sex marriage referendum.
He has lived in Australia for the past 20 months with his partner but plans to spend Christmas in Fermanagh with his family.
Speaking after the Australian postal vote last Wednesday, Mr. Brady said: “Today is a joyful day. It is a day when the Australian people have said to their lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and intersex (LBGTI) family members, friends and neighbours that we are all one, and our laws must reflect that.
“But amidst the joy, I still feel a pang of sadness when I think of where I was born and raised in Fermanagh - and how LGBTI people there are still denied their equality.
“Just like Australia, the people of Northern Ireland share the same commitment to fairness and equality and that is reflected in every poll taken on the issue. Just like Australia, it has been the world of politics that is blocking the clear will of the people to treat LGBTI people equally.
“It is time our laws at home caught up with the values of our people. Everyone on our islands should have the right to the same aspirations and dignity as the rest of their family members and communities.
“I hope the joy of Australia will inspire and give hope to those who continue to work to make equality a reality.”
Patrick Corrigan, of the Love Equality campaign for civil marriage equality in Northern Ireland commented: “Australia is just the latest country to say yes to marriage equality. We are delighted for all those couples who will be able to marry as soon as politicians follow through with legislation.
“Now, we want Northern Ireland to be next.
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“As we move from devolved government to direct rule, we call on the Westminster government to introduce legislation as soon as possible to reflect the will of the people and of the Assembly, where there are clear majorities in favour of marriage equality.”
Two years ago a majority of MLAs voted to support equal marriage, but the measure was blocked by the DUP using a Petition of Concern.
“Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK or Ireland which still bans marriage for same-sex couples, despite majority support among the public and in the Northern Ireland Assembly,” said Mr. Corrigan.