Lisburn council overturns ban on same-sex ceremonies

Lisburn City Council has reversed its decision to ban same-sex couples from holding civil registration ceremonies on council property.

Gay activists had threatened legal action against the unionist-dominated council when it introduced the ban last July.

The move to prohibit same-sex ceremonies from the council's wedding room was approved ahead of a new law allowing gay couples to enter into civil partnerships.

Sinn Féin and the SDLP both opposed the ban, which had the backing of the main unionist parties.