Thread by @hayward_katy

Don't be fooled by the low key tweet, this is potentially a Very Big Deal 👇

It certainly is if you are living in N.Ireland.

& most definitely is if you are a woman, gay or a victim of the Troubles.
(i.e. those whose rights were never properly met by the devolved assembly)

1/5

https://twitter.com/NIOgov/status/1181280298090164224

If the NI Executive is not restored by 21 Oct 2019, the UK Parliament has placed an obligation on the UK Govt to change the law in NI relating to 3 issues.

The Act requires that regulations are made in the following areas:
- same sex marriage
- abortion
- victims' pensions

2/5

To extend same sex marriage and opposite sex civil partnerships to Northern Ireland.

Marriage between couples of the same sex, and civil partnerships for opposite-sex couples, would be lawful in Northern Ireland from 13 January 2020.

[yes, this is currently illegal in NI]

3/5

To give effect to recommendations set out in United Nations Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women report in respect of lawful access to abortion services by 31 March 2020.

[yes. Women in NI are currently prosecuted for seeking abortion]

4/5

To introduce a system of victims payments ("victims pension”) in N. Ireland made by the end of January 2020 to be in force by the end of May 2020.

[yes. Currently no such support]

"All of the above requirements in the Act fall away if an Executive is formed before 21 Oct".
5/5