Since the DUP within the Northern Irish Assembly even as recently as last week kept blocking a gay marriage bill, couples will have their chance in court today for the first time. The recognition case was heard some hours ago
The petition, backed by gay rights group The Rainbow Project, has been taken against the Northern Ireland Assembly and the UK Government.
Granted anonymity in the case, the petitioner 'X' and his husband were married in London last year.
But under current laws they can only be recognised as civil partners within their native country.
Opening the first case of its kind to come before the High Court in Belfast, Karen Quinlivan QC argued that the legal situation was "perplexing and distressing".
She told Mr Justice O'Hara: "The petitioner and his spouse find themselves in a particularly arbitrary situation where lawful marriage is stripped from them whenever they reside in Northern Ireland, returning and disappearing as they cross state lines."
"He [plaintiff] takes the view that his marriage has been demeaned, devalued and undermined by virtue of the (society) in which he lives," the barrister added.
The case continues.
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