SECRETARY of State Karen Bradley has rejected a suggestion she should legislate for same-sex marriage at Westminster.
Shadow Secretary of State Owen Smith told the Commons today that marriage equality rights appeared to be one of the sticking points during fresh talks aimed at restoring power-sharing at Stormont.
And he suggested Westminster should introduce a change in the law.
He asked Mrs Bradley: "Can she tell us whether she will consider taking that issue off the table by legislating for equal marriage rights in Northern Ireland, which are enjoyed in Staffordshire?"
However, Mrs Bradley said any law change should be enacted at Stormont.
"Equal marriage is clearly a devolved issue and quite rightly should be legislated for in Stormont," she said.
"That is the right place for this legislation to be enacted, and I look forward to a devolved Government being in place that can do that."
