A Newry and Armagh MLA is urging locals to travel to Belfast and show their support for marriage equality at a demonstration to take place this weekend.
Saturday’s protest was called after a south Armagh-born MP’s bid to introduce marriage equality in Northern Ireland was blocked in the House of Commons last month.
St Helen’s North MP Conor McGinn had brought forward a Private Members Bill in March.
It progressed to a Second Reading at Westminster, but was blocked by a Conservative backbencher, prompting an angry backlash and a march in Belfast in protest.
The Bill will get a second reading in October.
But Love Equality lobby group immediately announced plans for a march to City Hall in Belfast in the aftermath of the House of Commons vote.
Now Newry and Armagh Sinn Fein MLA Megan Fearon has asked “everyone who supports equality and rights to attend this Saturday’s marriage equality demonstration in Belfast”.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “Every year we see over 20,000 people attend the annual equality march in Belfast.
“I am calling on everyone who believes in the principles of equality and rights to attend this march and make it even bigger.
“Sinn Féin will again be taking part to stand up for equality, respect, recognition and rights for all citizens.
“There can be absolutely no place for sectarianism, racism, homophobia, misogyny or any sort of discrimination in our society.
“That is why we are committed to seeing the extension of equal marriage across the north, it is a simple request to afford people their rights.
“Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for the LGB&T communities and challenge prejudice wherever it arises.
“Anyone wishing to march with us are asked to assemble with us at Writer’s Square at 2pm, with the event itself commencing at 2.30pm.”
