Couple win challenge to lack of legal recognition of humanist marriages in Northern Ireland

Humanists Laura Lacole and Eunan O’Kane have won their challenge to gain legal recognition for their humanist wedding, due to take place in Northern Ireland later this month. The decision was issued today by the High Court, just two weeks after the hearing in the case, as the judge was keen to ensure that Laura and Eunan have time to plan accordingly for their wedding. The impact is that humanist marriages immediately gain legal recognition across Northern Ireland.

Humanists UK and its section Northern Ireland Humanists, who supported model/public speaker Laura and Leeds United/Republic of Ireland midfielder Eunan in bringing the case, have expressed their delight at the news. Since Scotland and the Republic have also previously granted such recognition, England and Wales are now left lagging behind as the only part of the UK and Ireland yet to make the change – something that must surely now be much more likely to follow.

Welcoming the outcome, Laura commented, ‘We’re delighted to have won our case today. It means that in two weeks’ time we can legally marry in a way that reflects our beliefs. Our humanist ceremony will speak to our values and the love Eunan and I have for each other in a way no other marriage ceremony could. We’re thrilled  that our action has extended the same choice to thousands of other couples.’

Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson added, ‘This case is a great result for fairness and equality in Northern Ireland, meaning that humanists can now have humanist wedding ceremonies that match their personal beliefs, are conducted by a celebrant who shares their values, and – for the first time – have legal recognition.

‘We look forward to working with the Northern Irish authorities to see this recognition put into practice. And we urge all Westminster parties to take heed, as England and Wales are now left as the only part of the UK or Ireland where such recognition is still lacking. All it needs is that the Justice Secretary lays an order in Parliament.’

About the case and its likely impact

The case was taken on human rights grounds, targeting the discriminatory law that has meant that religious people are able to have legal marriage ceremonies in line with their beliefs, but humanists have, until now, not been able to do likewise. The judge has now ordered existing law to be reinterpreted so as to be read as giving Humanists UK celebrants the power to marry people, immediately granting Laura and Eunan and other humanist couples what they sought. Whether or not there is an appeal remains to be seen.

Legal recognition has already had a transformative effect on Scottish and Irish society. In Scotland, humanist marriages gained legal recognition in 2005, and have risen in number from 85 in the first year to over 4,300 in 2015, overtaking the Church of Scotland in the process. In the Republic of Ireland, humanist marriages gained legal recognition in 2012. In 2015 around six percent of legal marriages were humanist, more than three times as many as there were (Protestant) Church of Ireland marriages.

In England and Wales, marriage law is different from in Northern Ireland and Scotland. But as the case was taken on human rights grounds, the underlying principles are very similar, and so the prospects of legal recognition have now become much more likely. Since 2013 the UK Government has had the power to extend legal recognition if it wishes, but hasn’t chosen to use this power yet. Now Humanists UK will be asking all parties again to commit to doing so.

Notes

For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson on richy@humanism.org.uk or 0781 55 89 636, or Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator on boyd.sleator@nihumanists.org or on 07470 395090.

Press are free to use images made available by the couple:

Image 1: https://humanism.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/20161006-307934809.jpg
Image 2: https://humanism.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017-05-09_08.58.46.jpg
Image 3: https://humanism.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/12132490_776745909119411_6736818170228114657_o-1.jpg
Laura Lacole is also available for interviews, which can be arranged through Richy.

Read more about Humanists UK’s campaigns around marriage laws: https://humanism.org.uk/campaigns/human-rights-and-equality/marriage-laws/

At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.

Humanists UK recently changed its name from the British Humanist Association: https://humanism.org.uk/2017/05/22/bha-becomes-humanists-uk/

Northern Ireland Humanists is a part of Humanists UK, working with the Humanist Association of Ireland.