A motion supporting same-sex marriage has been passed for the first time in Northern Ireland's assembly by 53 votes to 51.

It is the fifth vote in the Northern Irish assembly in just three years but the first time the motion has passed.

However it is unlikely the motion will be passed into law as the ruling Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) have tabled a parliamentary veto known as a petition of concern which will prevent the motion leading to a change in the law. This means the result is symbolic only.

The complex rules of Belfast's power-sharing government mean that unionist and nationalist parties can prevent a bill becoming law if it fails to command cross-community support. As a result, Northern Ireland will remain the only part of the UK not to legalise same-sex marriage.

However CARE, a Christian public policy charity have expressed their regret at the motion.

"Although the result is largely symbolic this is still a very sad day for supporters of traditional marriage in Northern Ireland," said CARE's CEO Nola Leach.

"The sustained pressure of repeated attempts to change the law in Northern Ireland clearly told in the outcome of this debate.

"The biblical teaching is clear that marriage is a life-long commitment between one man and one woman.

"Just because the rest of the United Kingdom has introduced same-sex marriage does not automatically mean Northern Ireland should follow suit.

"With elections looming next May, more effort must be put in to affirm the mutual benefits of biblical marriage within the wider society."

Of the 41 Nationalist parliamentarians that voted, all 41 voted in favour of the motion to "call on the Executive to table legislation to allow for same sex marriage."

However of the 55 Unionists that voted, only four voted in favour. 

The four previous attempts to legalise same-sex marriage have lost by narrow margins.