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Northern Ireland High Court dismiss same-sex marriage cases

The High Court in Belfast has today rejected a claim brought by a same-sex couple who got married in England and wanted to have their marriage legally recognised in Northern Ireland, and by two other couples who wished to challenge the failure of the Northern Ireland Assembly to legalise same-sex marriages.

The judge ruled that the couples are not being unlawfully discriminated against by the state only recognising civil partnerships. Humanists UK and its section Northern Ireland Humanists, which have long campaigned for legal same-sex marriages, have expressed disappointment at the decisions.

This summer, model and public speaker Laura Lacole and Leeds United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Eunan O’Kane have been taking a case to gain legal recognition for humanist marriages in Northern Ireland.

Humanists UK has been supporting them in bringing their claim, and the couple have been working with the same legal team who took one of the same-sex marriage cases today.

The couple won the case at the High Court in June, but the Government has appealed. It will be heard again at the Court of Appeal on September 11.

Northern Ireland Humanists coordinator Boyd Sleator, said: “We’re sad to see today’s judgments. The result is that Northern Ireland remains the only part of the UK where legally married same-sex couples are denied recognition of their union by the state, and the only part of the UK where loving and committed same-sex couples cannot get married.

“Northern Ireland’s ongoing discrimination against same-sex couples brings shame on us all. We hope the judgments are appealed, and that one day soon, our lawmakers will accept that love is love, and will at last bring the law in line with public opinion, which overwhelmingly favours marriage equality.”

Legends raise £3,650.75 for Rainbow Fund during Brighton and Hove Pride

Legends annual Brighton Pride cabaret fundraiser on Sunday, August 6 raised a fantastic £3,650.75 for the Rainbow Fund.

Hosted and organised by Lola Lasagne the lineup of cabaret stars appearing during the afternoon and evening included Mary Mac, Mrs Moore, Rose Garden, Martha D’Arthur, Miss Jason, Sally Vate, Stephanie Von Klitz, Cassidy Connors, Beverly Ball Crusher, Lucinda Lashes, Jason Lee, Spice, Dave Lynn, Davina Sparkle, Jennie Castell, Kara Van Park and Maisie Trollette who, on the eve of her 84th birthday had everyone up and dancing inside Legends, on the terrace and beyond onto Marine Parade with a traditional East End Knees Up Medley.

All artists waived their fees to appear and the total raised included a £1,000 personal donation from Tony Chapman the owner of Legends.

Special mention for the Legends bar staff who worked their socks off all day and night.

The Rainbow Fund make grants to local LGBT and HIV organisations who deliver effective front line services to LGBT+ people in the city. Money raised at the Legends Pride Cabaret fundraiser will be distributed during the October Post Pride grants round.

 

MAMMA MIA! arrives in town!

A mother, a daughter, three possible dads and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!

Over 60 million people around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show!

Writer Catherine Johnson‘s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise.

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives!

MAMMA MIA! opened at the Brighton Centre last night (August 16) for a three weekend run. Members of the cast appeared on Brighton Beach early this morning to make sure everyone in the city is aware that this great musical is in town for the next three-week.

#MammaMiaUKTour


Event: MAMMA MIA!

Where: Brighton Centre, King’s Rd, Brighton BN1 2GR

When: Runs till September 3

Time: Matinees at 2.30pm and 3pm, evenings at 7.30pm

Cost: Tickets from £15 – £50

To book tickets online, click here:

Or telephone: 0844 847 1515

 

Calling all cyclists!

Record numbers set to pull on their lycra shorts and put their pedals to the test for Sussex Beacon in the annual DO IT for Charity, London to Brighton Cycle Ride 2017!

Leave the buzz of the big city behind and join thousands of fellow cyclists on the 54 mile journey on two wheels in your bid to raise hundreds of pounds for charity.

With over 4,000 participants expected to sign up to this iconic challenge, each rider will be raising for a great cause like The Sussex Beacon!

On Sunday September 17, 2017, fundraisers will depart from Clapham Common to head south through idyllic British countryside and tackle the 54 mile route to Brighton seafront – making their way along quiet country lanes passing through Mitcham, Carshalton, Chipstead, Banstead and Haywards Heath before taking on the challenge that is Ditchling Beacon – a mile long climb to the top of the South Downs where they will be rewarded with amazing views – before heading towards the sea to the finish line!

Now is the time to sign up and support The Sussex Beacon who provide specialist care and support for people living with HIV. The money raised from this year’s London to Brighton cycle will go towards the continuation of their vital inpatient and outpatient services which promote health and wellbeing.

Skyline and Do It For Charity co-founder Dominic Carolan, said: “Every year we see the popularity of our cycle rides grow but this year in particular for London to Brighton has been huge. Cycling is at an all time high in terms of its popularity thanks to British cycling successes of the past few years, and it really has inspired people to get involved, get more active and in this, give something back to charity as well.”

Simon Dowe
Simon Dowe

Simon Dowe, Chief Executive of The Sussex Beacon, added: “Having tackled this race myself last year, I know its a tough challenge, but so worth it – the exhilaration crossing the finish line is fantastic! Not only that, but if you choose to support us, all the money you raise will go directly towards our services, changing the lives of people living with HIV. We’ve had a tough year, with funding cuts threatening our work so community support is more vital than ever. Sign up, saddle up and help save The Sussex Beacon. “

Want to take on the challenge of the year? Be it on a tandem, a race bike or even a chopper, from novices to experienced riders – everyone is welcome.

To register for the London to Brighton Cycle in support of The Sussex Beacon, click here:

 

The Sussex Beacon provides specialist support and care to people living with HIV, offering both inpatient and outpatient services to improve health and promote independence. Those using the charity’s services may be facing serious HIV related illnesses, dealing with mental health issues or struggling to cope with the side effects of new drug regimes. Recently rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, The Sussex Beacon provides first class care and support to those in need.

For more information about Sussex Beacon, click here:

 

 

 

 

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