No DUP comment on Scottish Tory's NI gay marriage vision

The DUP has declined to respond to claims by gay MSP Ruth Davidson that Northern Ireland will soon accept same-sex marriage.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Aug 2016, 11:41 BST
Updated 3rd Aug 2016, 12:45 BST
Ruth DavidsonRuth Davidson
Ruth Davidson

Ms Davidson, the leader of the Scottish Tories, was speaking in Northern Ireland as part of Gay Pride week.

She insisted same-sex marriage is coming to Northern Ireland soon: “With public support and parliamentary majority, the waters are building and the dam will burst.”

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The DUP has traditionally provided the main political opposition to same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.

Message posted by PSNI on Twitter on July 29, 2016. Accompanying text as follows: "@PoliceServiceNI Jul 29 Members of PSNI Gay Police Association & Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston at the launch of @belfastpride Festival."Message posted by PSNI on Twitter on July 29, 2016. Accompanying text as follows: "@PoliceServiceNI Jul 29 Members of PSNI Gay Police Association & Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston at the launch of @belfastpride Festival."
Message posted by PSNI on Twitter on July 29, 2016. Accompanying text as follows: "@PoliceServiceNI Jul 29 Members of PSNI Gay Police Association & Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston at the launch of @belfastpride Festival."

However, despite Ms Davidson’s high profile challenges in Northern Ireland yesterday, the party declined to put anyone up for interview to various media in response to her claims.

It also declin ed to offer any statements on the matter.

A slim majority of MLAs voted in favour of lifting the ban on same-sex marriage when it was debated for a fifth time last November.

The proposal fell when the DUP deployed a petition of concern to veto it.

Message posted by PSNI on Twitter on July 29, 2016. Accompanying text as follows: "@PoliceServiceNI Jul 29 Members of PSNI Gay Police Association & Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston at the launch of @belfastpride Festival."Message posted by PSNI on Twitter on July 29, 2016. Accompanying text as follows: "@PoliceServiceNI Jul 29 Members of PSNI Gay Police Association & Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston at the launch of @belfastpride Festival."
Message posted by PSNI on Twitter on July 29, 2016. Accompanying text as follows: "@PoliceServiceNI Jul 29 Members of PSNI Gay Police Association & Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston at the launch of @belfastpride Festival."
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DUP councillor Brian Kingston gave a welcome speech at a Gay Pride drinks reception at City Hall on Friday.

There has been speculation that his party may be considering allowing its MLAs to have a free vote on same-sex marriage in the future.

Related topics:Ruth DavidsonNorthern IrelandDUPMSPMLAsCity Hall