JUDGEMENT was reserved today in a bid to overturn a landmark ruling which extends legal recognition to humanist marriages in the North of Ireland.
Attorney General John Larkin QC and a Stormont department are both appealing the decision that Belfast model Laura Lacole and her Derry-born international footballer partner Eunan O’Kane were treated unlawfully because of their belief system.
Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan pledged to deliver his verdict as soon as possible.
Ms Lacole has already wed Mr O’Kane, a Republic of Ireland and Leeds United midfielder, in a legally valid humanist ceremony.
But following closing submissions in the Court of Appeal she expressed her hope that they will not be the only couple able to obtain such a marriage in Northern Ireland.
She wrote on her Facebook page: “Since winning our High Court case in June, giving my now husband and I legal recognition for our Humanist marriage (which took place two days later) and changing the law to recognise non religious beliefs giving countless others the same opportunity; it’s not been smooth sailing.
“When we got the news that the Attorney General was appealing the ruling I couldn’t help but cry.
“Now, after many days spent in appeals court today is thankfully the last. We have a reserved judgement, so in the coming days or weeks we will finally hear the appeals courts judgement and finally know whether the rest of you can have a legally recognised Humanist ceremony.
“It was mentioned by a reporter today that if the Attorney General wins, our marriage will be the first and likely last legally recognised Humanist marriage in Northern Ireland.
“I can only say that whilst that’s a nice title it’s not one we want to hold.
“Not when there are so many other people in this country who want and should rightfully have the same opportunity granted to us!
“Thanks for the support and here’s to a result for all. X”
Under current law a couple seeking such a humanist wedding must also have a separate civil registration for it to be officially acknowledged.
The same situation applies in England and Wales, but not in Scotland or the Republic of Ireland.
In June last year Belfast woman Ms Lacole won her High Court challenge to the refusal to grant official status for her wedding ceremony.
A judge held the marriage was a manifestation of the model’s beliefs, and that she was denied equal treatment to that given to religious couples – a breach of her human rights.
He ordered the granting of temporary authorisation for a humanist celebrant to oversee a legally binding wedding.
Despite the celebrity couple then going ahead with their wedding, Mr Larkin and the Department of Finance pressed ahead with a challenge to the verdict and its wider implications.
According to the Attorney General humanist couples will suffer no discrimination under current legislative arrangements.
He argued that the 2003 Marriage Order includes provisions for the solemnisation of civil marriage – ensuring no breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.
A panel of three appeal judges were told the claims made on behalf of the humanists were “evidentially undercooked”.
Counsel for the Department contended that any interference with Ms Lacole’s rights was minimal and justified.
But lawyers representing the model, who is also vice-chair of Atheist NI, insisted she is being discriminated against under the Convention’s protection for freedom of belief.
She had issued judicial review proceedings against the General Register Office (GRO) for not authorising the marriage.
Her action was also directed at Stormont’s alleged failure to introduce legislation to allow a legally binding wedding event.
Following two days of legal argument, Sir Declan confirmed a decision on the appeal was being reserved.
He said: “We will have to consider the submissions and try to give our judgment as soon as we can.”
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