The comment was by Northern Ireland minister, Chloe Smith after Labour MP, Ged Killen said it was time for the UK government to legislate to ensure “that same sex marriages issued in England, Wales and Scotland are recognised as marriages in Northern Ireland”.

As reported by Pink News, Killen, who is married to a man from Northern Ireland, told the parliament that that he and his partner plan to one day retire to Northern Ireland.

“If my husband and I stick to our plans to one day retire to his hometown in Northern Ireland, upon my death my better half would lose a husband in every sense of the word,” he said.

“The registry confirms no reference to the marriage would be included on any certificate issued. My husband would be recorded simply as a surviving civil partner. Years of marriage wiped out by the stroke of a pen.”

Referencing the DUP’s position on Brexit, Killen said to Smith that it was now the time to address extending the UK legislation on same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland.

“Does the minister agree with me that if the DUP are so keen on no regulatory divergence from the UK, this is a good place to start?” he asked.

In reply, Smith said that she sympathised with Killen and his husband’s position.

“However, this is not the time to be unpicking the devolution settlement on this issue,” she added. This is, rightly, for a future executive to return to look at. We hope the executive can be brought back up to do this, and look at many other very important issues.”

Same-sex marriage has been blocked in Northern Ireland by the DUP, who have used veto powers given to them by the power-sharing agreement. Currently two couples who lost a case to end the ban on same-sex marriage have launched an appeal.

Smith added: “My own position on this issue is clear. I voted in support of equal marriage in England and Wales and like the Prime Minister I hope that this can be extended to Northern Ireland in the future.

“I believe that marriage should be a common right across the UK, however, the fundamental position remains that same-sex marriage is a devolved issue in Northern Ireland.”

Killen replied: “This is a disappointing response showing that while the Government talks the talk of advancing LGBT rights in Northern Ireland it will not walk the walk.”