Abortion and same-sex marriage legalized in Northern Ireland

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Abortions and same-sex marriages are legal in Northern Ireland as of Tuesday.

As the clock struck midnight, a series of legislation that the U.K’s Parliament passed earlier this year went into effect in Northern Ireland, making same-sex marriage legal and extending abortion access to the territory. 

Northern Ireland’s government is “devolved,” meaning that it can legislate independently from the British Parliament on some issues. But, the governing body collapsed in 2017, and it has not been able to reform with a ruling party due to ongoing conflicts between Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionist Party, according to the Independent.

The laws were set to take effect Tuesday if the governing body was not able to form again to block the legislation.

Previously, abortion was banned in Northern Ireland in almost all cases except when a woman’s life was at risk, the Washington Post reported. Pregnant people could be imprisoned for getting an abortion in the territory as well as seeking one. Caregivers could also be charged for giving advice on seeking an abortion.

Beginning Tuesday, all prosecutions surrounding abortions will be dropped. The United Kingdom will pay for the expenses of people traveling to other parts of the United Kingdom to obtain an abortion. Medical support will be provided for those who have an abortion with pills in Northern Ireland.

Source: https://thehill.com/policy/international/europe/466913-abortion-same-sex-marriage-officially-legalized-in-northern

 

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Agnes Bojaxhiu is shook

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Was literally just about to post this.

I remember marching for same-sex marriage in Belfast with thousands of people when I was fourteen.

22 now, and though I believe it should have happened sooner I'm glad the country I was raised in is moving forward.

It'll take more time to change the views of the older generations, however the young people in Northern Ireland are progressive af.