The Northern Ireland Court of Appeal has granted interim authority for the humanist wedding of Laura Smyth, alias Lacole, and  Eunan O’Kane to proceed this week and be given legal recognition. The Court has yet to rule on the appeal against the judgment in Re an application by Laura Smyth for Judicial Review, in which Colton J quashed the decision of the General Register Office to refuse the couple’s application for authorisation for a humanist marriage, on the grounds that the refusal constituted discrimination against the couple’s beliefs.

The challenges by Attorney General John Larkin QC and Stormont’s Finance Department were adjourned until after the summer recess. The Lord Chief Justice directed the local registration authority to appoint – without prejudice – British Humanist Association celebrant Isobel Russo to solemnise the wedding.

[With thanks to Irish Legal News.]