Poll finds Northern Ireland now overwhelmingly supports same-sex marriage
The people of Northern Ireland are now overwhelmingly in favour of same-sex marriage, a poll has found.
Despite the introduction of same-sex marriage in England, Scotland and Wales, the DUP government in Northern Ireland continues to block all legislation on the issue.
Following the landslide victory for equality in the Republic of Ireland earlier this year, there have been calls for the North to keep up.
The DUP shattered hopes by blocking equality for a fourth time earlier this year – but a poll has this week found that same-sex marriage has overwhelming popular support.
The Ipsos MORI survey found 68% of people in the country now support same-sex marriage – even higher than the 62.1% who voted Yes in the Republic of Ireland.
Support is much higher among young people, with 82% of 16 to 34-year-olds and 75% of 35 to 54-year-olds supporting same-sex marriage.
Even among DUP supporters, 45% of people disagree with their own party’s stance on the issue.
Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland programme director, said: “The people have spoken and it’s clear they don’t want Northern Ireland to be left behind on marriage equality.
“This poll shows support in Northern Ireland for equal marriage is even higher than in Ireland’s landslide referendum.
“Northern Ireland’s politicians are badly out of step with the people on marriage equality.
“Continuing resistance to bringing Northern Ireland in step with all our neighbours is unacceptable.
“It’s high time Northern Ireland said a big ‘we do too’ to equality. The Stormont Executive should bring forward marriage equality legislation without further delay.”
