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Encouraged by the decision in the Republic of Ireland to vote for same-sex marriages, a Belfast woman has launched a web petition urging the Northern Ireland Assembly to do the same.

The legalisation of same-sex marriages has been debated and rejected in Northern Ireland by the Assembly four times already.

But Clare Meehan says it is now time the Northern Ireland government let the people decide the outcome, just like in the Republic of Ireland.

Clare told Belfast Live: “I am not gay and have no gay relatives but I do have gay friends.

“Everyone has a right to be married.

MORE: Gay marriage: Pressure on Northern Ireland's politicians to hold referendum after Republic vote

MORE: Gay marriage: Rainbow Project welcomes Republic of Ireland’s historic vote

“I want to encourage the Northern Ireland Assembly to let the Northern Ireland people decide if same sex marriage should be legalised here or not.

“If the Republic of Ireland government can do this then so can ours.

“I started the petition two days ago and already it has been signed by over 600 people.”

If anyone would like to support Clare’s petition it can be found at www.change.org.