Amnesty International has called for the introduction of same-sex marriage on both sides of the Irish border.

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International's programme director in Northern Ireland, made the call at a demonstration in Belfast showing solidarity with the 'Yes' campaign in the Republic of Ireland, which goes to the polls in a referendum on the matter next Friday.



Speaking at the rally, attended by hundreds of human rights supporters, Patrick Corrigan, said:

“Love does not discriminate, and neither should our laws, north or south in Ireland.

“Amnesty wants to see equality for LGBT people on both sides of the Irish border and around the world - that is why we are supporting the YES campaign in the Republic.

“Sadly, gay people in Northern Ireland, alone in the UK, have been denied the right to get married by their politicians.

“Meanwhile, people in the Republic have the chance to make history by becoming the first country to legislate for equal marriage by popular vote.

“Equality will come by people demanding it. Make no mistake - people are demanding it.”