PRESS RELEASE: The fourth attempt in just three years to redefine marriage in Northern Ireland has been rejected yet again by members of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The final vote saw 49 MLA’s vote against the calls to support the redefinition of marriage with 47 in favour.

Leading Christian charity CARE support traditional marriage between one man and one woman and the charity’s Northern Ireland policy officer has welcomed the result.

CARE in Northern Ireland Policy Officer Mark Baillie said:

“Marriage is the union between one man and one woman.

“For the good of society it is vital this traditional view of marriage is upheld and so CARE warmly welcomes the fact a majority of MLA rejected this latest move to redefine marriage.

“Just because the rest of the United Kingdom have introduced same-sex marriage does not automatically mean we should do the same in Northern Ireland.

“After four attempts to redefine marriage in this Assembly, it seems only right that this issue should not be considered again within the mandate of this Assembly.

“This Assembly's view on this question is now very clear, and Northern Ireland faces many other pressing issues going forward."

Notes to Editors:

In 2012 the motion to redefine marriage was defeated by 50 votes to 45.

The second motion in 2013 was defeated by 53 votes to 42.

In April 2014, the third attempt was defeated by 51 against with 43 in favour.

This latest attempt has been defeated by 49 to 47 votes.