Northern Ireland's Finance Minister has asked officials at Stormont to begin work on a draft bill to introduce same-sex 'marriage' in the country.
In a written response to Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said he wants the Assembly to legislate for such 'marriage' as soon as possible.
Mr Dickson had asked the Minister "when he plans to introduce a civil marriage equality bill".
Mr Ó Muilleoir acknowledged he has "a little way to go" in terms of securing the necessary support from other MLAs, but said he believed MLAs "will choose to legislate, rather than be forced to legislate on foot of an adverse judgment".
He said he wants his officials to "do the groundwork now" so that his department - which has responsibility for the registration of marriages - can "move swiftly towards introduction", as soon as the Executive and the Assembly signal their readiness.
Rejected five times in less than four years
Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where same-sex 'marriage' is not legal, having rejected motions, for it five times in under four years.
Last November saw the first time where the motion was backed by a small majority of MLAs (53-51).
However, the proposal failed to attract cross-community support, and as result was eventually blocked by the DUP who presented a 'petition of concern'. The petition of concern is a feature of power-sharing in Northern Ireland which requires a motion to have support from both Nationalist and Unionists MLAs.
In its party manifesto, last year, the DUP said it had "stood by its commitment to family values and marriage and will continue to do so".
Initiative to protect marriage
In April, a petition was launched to defend true marriage and family across Europe. The European Citizens' Initiative Mums, Dads and Kids aims to protect the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.
Citizens from across EU member states are invited to add their signature supporting a definition of marriage and family that aims to promote family life.
Please sign the petition online or print a form from the website.
Related Links:
Finance minister asks officials to draft bill for same sex marriage (Irish News)
NI Assembly rejects same-sex 'marriage'