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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Ryan Smith

Belfast same sex-marriage celebrations as clock strikes midnight

This is a the moment a Belfast gay bar erupts as the clock struck midnight on Monday, signalling a change in marriage laws in Northern Ireland.

Maverick Bar was the scene of a big party for campaigners on Monday night.

The law change, brought in by Westminster, means that the government must extend the provisions of the English Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 to Northern Ireland by January 13, 2020.

And in the city centre bar, there was a carnival atmosphere.

Drag Queen Titti Von Tramp led the countdown, saying: "It's taken a long time but we are almost there.

"We can love who want to love... we are equal... we are who we are."

PR and Marketing manager at the bar, Aaron Eakin told Belfast Live that it was an "unforgettable occasion".

He said: "I think we all knew this was a special moment in history and we wanted to share it with our LGBT+ community. The atmosphere was absolutely electric.

"Our hostess, prominent Belfast Drag queen Titti Von Tramp, did a countdown to midnight with her own 'very unique' commentary.

"When the moment actually arrived, the cheers were deafening. There was just a feeling of pure joy and relief. Although it was a party atmosphere, it was actually very emotional and a moment we will all treasure."

Campaigner Matthew Corr was also there.

He told Belfast Live: "It was incredible, almost like New Year's Eve.

"Once it hit midnight though it was like nothing I've experienced before. Just such joy, happiness, history had been made.

PSNI officers applauded at Pride

"I've never seen a crowd of happier people. Like we've fought so hard, and had to wait so long, but we got our moment."

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