Human rights group Liberty has intervened in a High Court case over the legal recognition of humanist weddings in Northern Ireland.

Model Laura Lacole and footballer Eunan O’Kane married in June after winning the right to have their humanist wedding recognised by law.

The Attorney General for Northern Ireland and the Department of Finance have appealed against the High Court’s decision.

In arguments submitted today, Liberty disputed the Attorney General’s assertion that the case centres purely on the right to marry.

Instead, the group said it is a clear issue of discrimination against humanist couples and a violation of their fundamental right to exercise their beliefs. Refusing humanism the same status in law as religions and other belief systems fails to properly respect and protect the fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

The Human Rights Act protects everyone’s right to manifest his or her religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.

Martha Spurrier, director of Liberty, said: “This is a case of discrimination, plain and simple.

“All this couple is asking for is the chance for humanists to express their beliefs on one of the most important days of their life.

“The High Court’s ruling was a landmark in rights protection – to take a step backwards would be a sad day for progress and fairness.”

The hearing is scheduled for Monday 11 September 2017.