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Lyra McKee's partner says NI marriage inequality 'unacceptable' Lyra McKee's partner says NI marriage inequality 'unacceptable'
(about 4 hours later)
The partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee has demanded equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in Northern Ireland.The partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee has demanded equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in Northern Ireland.
Sara Canning, who was addressing a rally of thousands in Belfast, said the current situation was "not acceptable."Sara Canning, who was addressing a rally of thousands in Belfast, said the current situation was "not acceptable."
She told the crowds gathered outside City Hall that a law change would be a "win" for everyone in Northern Ireland.She told the crowds gathered outside City Hall that a law change would be a "win" for everyone in Northern Ireland.
Ms McKee, 29, was shot on 18 April while observing rioting in Londonderry.Ms McKee, 29, was shot on 18 April while observing rioting in Londonderry.
The New IRA said its members carried out the killing.The New IRA said its members carried out the killing.
Her murder led to an outpouring of grief and calls for politicians in Northern Ireland to return to powersharing, two-and-a-half years after the government of the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin collapsed.Her murder led to an outpouring of grief and calls for politicians in Northern Ireland to return to powersharing, two-and-a-half years after the government of the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin collapsed.
A new talks process began at Stormont on Tuesday.A new talks process began at Stormont on Tuesday.
Saturday's rally was organised by the Love Equality campaign - an umbrella group made up of organisations that support a law change.Saturday's rally was organised by the Love Equality campaign - an umbrella group made up of organisations that support a law change.
Ms Canning questioned why same-sex couple were treated differently in Northern Ireland - same-sex marriage is legal in the rest of the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.Ms Canning questioned why same-sex couple were treated differently in Northern Ireland - same-sex marriage is legal in the rest of the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.
"We pay our taxes, we are governed by the same laws, we live deeply and we love dearly - why should we not be afforded the same rights in marriage?" she asked. "We pay our taxes, we are governed by the same laws, we love deeply and we love dearly - why should we not be afforded the same rights in marriage?" she asked.
"Equal marriage is not a green or orange issue, a demand of just one side or the other and it shouldn't be a political football.""Equal marriage is not a green or orange issue, a demand of just one side or the other and it shouldn't be a political football."
Ms Canning said she had dreamed of marrying the woman she loved and had shared her dream with Lyra before it was "snatched away".Ms Canning said she had dreamed of marrying the woman she loved and had shared her dream with Lyra before it was "snatched away".
Ms Canning has already challenged the prime minister to legislate for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.Ms Canning has already challenged the prime minister to legislate for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
She said she spoke to Theresa May at Ms McKee's funeral, asking her to change the laws at Westminster if local politicians failed to act.She said she spoke to Theresa May at Ms McKee's funeral, asking her to change the laws at Westminster if local politicians failed to act.
On Saturday, she reiterated this challenge and said Westminster must legislate on the issue in the continued absence of local government.On Saturday, she reiterated this challenge and said Westminster must legislate on the issue in the continued absence of local government.
Equal marriage is currently one of the main sticking points in Stormont's continuing political crisis.Equal marriage is currently one of the main sticking points in Stormont's continuing political crisis.
During a vote in November 2015, Northern Ireland's assembly members supported same-sex marriage by a slim majority of 53 votes to 52.During a vote in November 2015, Northern Ireland's assembly members supported same-sex marriage by a slim majority of 53 votes to 52.
However, the motion was blocked by the DUP using a measure known as a petition of concern.However, the motion was blocked by the DUP using a measure known as a petition of concern.
The DUP remains firmly opposed to any redefinition of the law, insisting marriage should be between a man and a woman.The DUP remains firmly opposed to any redefinition of the law, insisting marriage should be between a man and a woman.
It has resisted Sinn Féin's calls for a change in the law.It has resisted Sinn Féin's calls for a change in the law.