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Written question asked by Lord McCabe (Labour) on Monday, 4 September 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 September 2017. It was answered by James Brokenshire (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 September 2017 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.


Marriage: Northern Ireland

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to the case Smyth 2017 No. 038954 on legal recognition for humanist marriages in Northern Ireland, what effect the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive has on the Government of Northern Ireland's authority to continue to contest that case; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

The Attorney General for Northern Ireland issued a Note of Appeal following the High Court ruling providing temporary authorisation for a celebrant to perform a legally valid and binding humanist wedding ceremony. The Attorney General for Northern Ireland exercises his functions independently. Marriage is an entirely devolved matter in Northern Ireland.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
7486
Session
2017-19
Related items
Marriage: Northern Ireland
Monday, 18 December 2017
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Appeals Marriage Northern Ireland Humanism
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk