Politics

Only one nationalist MLA does not support gay marriage

The SDLP's Alban Maginness was the only nationalist not to support gay marriage. The North Belfast MLA was absent from the vote
The SDLP's Alban Maginness was the only nationalist not to support gay marriage. The North Belfast MLA was absent from the vote The SDLP's Alban Maginness was the only nationalist not to support gay marriage. The North Belfast MLA was absent from the vote

THE SDLP's Alban Maginness was the only nationalist who failed to support Monday's motion in favour of gay marriage.

The party said the North Belfast MLA was absent from the vote – as opposed to abstaining – but had indicated all along that he would not be supporting the change.

It was the fifth time the assembly had been asked to vote on same-sex marriage, with Monday's motion brought jointly by Sinn Féin and the SDLP.

The most notable turnaround came from Alliance representatives Judith Cochrane and Trevor Lunn, both of whom are Christians.

Whereas the pair abstained from the vote in April, they both voted in support on Monday.

Recently co-opted Ulster Unionist MLA Andy Allen was the party's sole representative to support the motion, while leader Mike Nesbitt abstained, having voted against equal marriage last time around.

Previously, Danny Kinahan – now MP for South Antrim – was the only UUP MLA to support same sex marriage.

Mr Kinanhan's successor, Adrian Cochrane-Watson voted against the motion.

Along with Mr Allen, the only designated unionist to support equal marriage was NI21's Basil McCrea.