Gary Lightbody, Liam Neeson and Graham Norton Demand Same Sex Marriage in Northern Ireland

Some of the biggest stars ever to emerge from Northern Ireland have joined the campaign for same sex marriage in the North. Among those who have declared their support for a change in the laws north of the border are Snow Patrol lead singer Gary Lightbody (pictured), actor Liam Neeson, star of The Fall, Bronagh Waugh, and Neil Hannon of Divine Comedy. The UK’s most revered chat show host, now also a successful novelist, Graham Norton, has also joined the campaign.

These celebrity voices were raised in advance of the march today in Belfast in favour of same sex marriage, organised by Amnesty International. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where same sex marriage is not permitted. Same sex marriage is also available in Ireland, following the historic referendum of 2015.

The introduction of same sex marriage in the North is opposed by the DUP – the party led by Arlene Foster, whose MPs have just entered into an agreement with the Conservative Party to support Teresa May’s badly afflicted government. The deal has ignited considerable anger – not least in that it makes the Tories dependent on a party that is hugely reactionary on the issues of personal freedom and which is generally hostile to gays.

"Two years ago,” Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody said, "I marched with 20,000 fellow Northern Ireland citizens for marriage equality. It was a beautiful day of hope, joy and solidarity and I was so proud to be from 'Norn Iron’. Two years on and somehow – defying reason given it's the will of the people – we still do not have marriage equality in Northern Ireland.”

His words were amplified by the other artists.

"We've had enough of a history in our society in Northern Ireland of discrimination, mistrust and hatred,” Liam Neeson said. "Yet, we're also an open-hearted, welcoming and terrific people. Let us show that to the world by treating gay, lesbian and transgender peoples as our brothers and sisters and allowing them to marry, if they so wish."

Meanwhile, Graham Norton – who grew up in Bantry, in Co. Cork – emphasised that the historic referendum that approved same-sex marriage south of the border, in Ireland, was a "proud gay day."

"My own mother was from Northern Ireland,” he added, "so of course I have a huge affection for the place and its people. I know it is hugely frustrating for gay people there that it is the last part of these islands still without marriage equality. Especially when there is such overwhelming support for it among the public."

Today’s demonstration, in which Bronagh Waugh took part, ended with a rally outside City Hall, in Belfast. The march was also attended by Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and party leader in the North Michelle O’Neill.

Earlier this week, in another historic acknowledgement of the importance of equal rights, Germany voted in gay marriage.