Leo Varadkar calls for introduction of same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland

'It seems so strange for me that in Northern Ireland marriage equality is not allowed.'

Leo Varadkar has called for marriage equality to be introduced to Northern Ireland. As reported by Newstalk, The Taoiseach made the announcement as part of a speech he gave on Tuesday evening in Washington DC, which is part of his US visit to mark St. Patrick's Day. Varadkar had previously attended Belfast Pride in August 2017, as part of his first visit to Northern Ireland once he was confirmed as Taoiseach. During his address in Washington DC, in which Varadkar also called for official recognition of the Irish language in Northern Ireland, he made specific reference to the same-sex laws in the region: "The biggest parade that happens in Northern Ireland every year is not a march of the Orange Order, or a march of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. It is, in fact, Belfast Pride. "That's why it seems so strange for me that in Northern Ireland marriage equality is not allowed. To me, any rights or freedom that the British have in Britain, and the Irish have in Ireland... surely people in Northern Ireland should have as well." Varadkar is set to meet with US President Donald Trump on Thursday as his US tour continues.