AQO 82/16-21

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 09/06/2016
Answered On Date: 20/06/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance when he plans to introduce a civil marriage equality bill.

Answer:

I am committed to the concept of equal marriage and I want this Assembly to legislate for such marriage as soon as possible. The Member and I are on the same page in that regard, but we have a little way to go in terms of bringing other Members with us and securing the necessary support from the floor. I believe we will be able to do that during this mandate and that Members will choose to legislate, rather than be forced to legislate on foot of an adverse judgment. We must do the groundwork now, so that, as soon as the Executive and the Assembly signal their readiness, we are able to move swiftly toward introduction. I have, therefore, asked my officials to start working on a draft Bill and to initiate discussions with other interested Departments, given that the Bill may touch on matters that are not within my Department’s remit.