'Marriage equality for LGBT couples is a civil right' - Dublin Republican Youth

A Sinn Féin banner at the Dublin Pride Parade

 Republican Youth activists were proud to support the Pride Parade in Dublin earlier today.

An estimated 30,000 people took part in today's Pride Parade with more than 100,000 spectators lining the streets to observe the colourful display.

Speaking at the event, Dublin Republican Youth chariperson Jonathan Graham said:

"It's great to see so many people turn out to show support for the LGBT community. A major theme of today's events was the demand for marriage equality for gay couples. The Civil Partnership Act 2011 does not go far enough on the issue and creates a two-tier system where those in straight and gay relationships are treated differently. Civil partnerships do not give those in LGBT relationships the same rights as a married couple.

"We in Sinn Féin Republican Youth believe in civil rights, and the right of LGBT couples to a civil marriage is just one of those rights."

On Monday Sinn Féin will bring a Bill on Marriage Equality before Belfast City Council.

A piece on the issue of Marriage Equality entitled A civil right, not a religious act by Republican Youth activist Sorcha Berry is available in this month's edition of An Phoblacht newspaper

Republican Youth members, Diolúin Ó hUigín, Oisín Kelly, Jonathan Graham and Mick Farrell at the Sinn Féin Bookshop ahead of the parade