Anna Lo MLA “I was proud to show my support for equal civil marriage at the rally at Belfast City Hall.
“In September 2012, the Alliance Party ruling Council passed a motion to adopt a policy in favour of equal civil marriage, with robust legislative protections for faith groups.
“In keeping with the Alliance Party’s core commitment to equality, we support the extension of civil marriage provisions to same-sex couples
“However, we are very clear in stressing that robust legislative protections are provided to ensure that faith groups will not be forced to conduct equal civil marriage ceremonies or to have them conducted on their premises without their permission.
“Alliance is actively working to advance LGBT issues and remains committed to supporting equal civil marriage, continuing to engage constructively with others in wider society to achieve that end. Continued debates and votes without active and respectful engagement between those who hold different views is, sadly, unlikely to achieve the real progress to which we are committed.”
ENDS