Ex-Northern Ireland First Minister Lord Trimble’s U-turn on gay marriage as daughter weds girlfriend

Ex-Northern Ireland First Minister Lord Trimble’s U-turn on gay marriage as his daughter weds her girlfriend

  •  Lord David Trimble, 74, voted against the Civil Partnership Bill in 2004 
  •  Tory peer revealed this week that his daughter was in a same-sex marriage 
  •  Vicky Trimble, 35, wed photographer Rosalind Stephens, in November 2017
  •  Lord Trimble said he then found himself ‘taking a particular position’ on issue 

Former First Minister of Northern Ireland David Trimble, who voted against the Civil Partnership Bill in 2004, has revealed his daughter is in a same-sex marriage.

Trimble, who was leader of the Ulster Unionist party from 1995 to 2005 and one of the prime movers of the Good Friday agreement, made the disclosure during a debate in the House of Lords.

Addressing the house on Wednesday, the 74-year-old Tory peer referred to abortion and same-sex marriage as ‘delicate matters’, adding: ‘I have found myself taking a particular position with regard to same-sex marriage, which was forced upon me when my elder daughter got married to her girlfriend. 

Vicky Trimble, left, daughter of David Trimble, married Rosalind Stephens in November 2017

‘I cannot change that, and I cannot now go around saying that I am opposed to it because I acquiesced to it. There we are.

It is understood Vicky Trimble, 35, wed photographer Rosalind Stephens, in a ceremony in the Scottish Highlands in November 2017. 

The couple now live in east London.

On Facebook, Vicky responded to her father’s declaration that he felt ‘forced’ to take ‘a particular position’ on civil marriage, as he had been ‘supportive’ of her.

She wrote: ‘I’m a little surprised at Dad’s wording as he has been supportive of our relationship ever since he encountered Rosalind Stephens coming out of the bathroom wrapped in a duvet!’

Lord David Trimble - who voted against civil partnerships - revealed his feelings have now changed since his elder daughter, Vicky, married her girlfriend, Rosalind Stephens

Lord David Trimble – who voted against civil partnerships – revealed his feelings have now changed since his elder daughter, Vicky, married her girlfriend, Rosalind Stephens

A friend then reassured her: ‘It’s clear to me your father was saying publicly this week that his love and respect for you was stronger than his previously-held intellectual position. He’s hugely supportive of you and Rosalind.’

Speaking to The Sunday Times on the issue, Vicky said: ‘I think a lot of people who think they are against same-sex marriage may never have encountered someone who is gay.

‘[My father] was against same-sex partnerships and now he has had that personal experience, he realises it is just like any other relationship.’   

According to Theyworkforyou.com, voted four times against equal gay rights, between 1999 and 2008. 

The 74-year-old Tory peer referred to abortion and same-sex marriage as 'delicate matters'

The 74-year-old Tory peer referred to abortion and same-sex marriage as ‘delicate matters’

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk