Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“On the day the law changes in Northern Ireland to redefine marriage TUV reiterates its longstanding opposition to this retrograde step.
“The fears of many about the ramifications for freedom of speech and religion when it comes to redefining marriage have been underscored by the fact that there is a total failure to provide protection for registrars. We now have people who will be required to perform same sex marriages – something which was not part of their job when they were employed. This is in stark contrast to the situation in other parts of the world – such as Prince Edward Island in Canada and South Africa – where there are examples of an absolute right to exempt from performing any marriage on religious grounds.
“The resistance of some, demonstrated recently at the Finance Committee, to even consider the civil, human and employment rights of those who have sincere conscientious objections to same sex marriage does not bode well for the future.”