Trade union members, officials and activists are being encouraged to take the "Love Train" from Dublin to Belfast on Saturday July 1, to show support for the Love Equality march and rally for civil marriage equality in Northern Ireland.
The "Love Train" departs Dublin's Connolly Station at 11.20am on Saturday July 1, with activists gathering in Belfast's Writer's Square from 2.30pm.
Speaking in advance of the rally, Irish Congress of Trade Unions Equality Officer David Joyce said: "Having fully supported the successful Yes Equality referendum campaign in this jurisdiction, trade unions across the island are determined to show support for the Love Equality rally on Saturday July 1, in Belfast. We have seen how extending marriage equality to all citizens has helped transform our society, making it more inclusive and tolerant."
The National Union of Journalist's (NUJ) Irish Secretary Seamus Dooley and SIPTU's Ethel Buckley will also be among the Love Train passengers, both having been key organisers of the Trade Union Campaign for Marriage Equality in the Republic.
Ethel Buckley said: "We are urging union members, their families and friends to take the Dublin to Belfast train on Saturday July 1 in a gesture of solidarity with Love Equality, the campaign for equal civil marriage in Northern Ireland. We hope that other LGBTI groups from throughout Ireland will join us."
Seamus Dooley said: "Now is the time to show practical solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Northern Ireland. By travelling together on July 1 we can lend our voice to those who demand full equality in Northern Ireland. The "Love Train" is a gesture of support and is in the great tradition of the "contraceptive train", which campaigners utilised to demand the right of access to contraceptives in the Republic.
"We know many people want to support the campaign for civil marriage equality in Northern Ireland. This is an opportunity to do so at a time when the eyes of the world are on those who have sought to obstruct that campaign."
Tickets for the Dublin-Belfast train can be booked in advance on www.irishrail.ie
The Love Equality march and rally for civil marriage equality assembles at Writer's Square at 2.30 to march to Belfast City Hall for speakers at 3.15.
