Mr Justice O’Hara will rule on a case dealing with recognition of same-sex marriages entered into in England and Wales, and a case dealing with the Northern Ireland Assembly’s refusal to legislate for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.

The cases are being considered in tandem due to the close nature of the issues. The judgments are expected at 2pm.

The first case, known as Petition X, is challenging the law by which same-sex marriages entered into in England and Wales are “downgraded” to civil partnerships in Northern Ireland.

This arrangement was established in 2013 following negotiations between the UK government and Northern Ireland Assembly.

The challenge has been brought by a couple who were married in England in 2014 but live in Northern Ireland.

The second case is that of two couples in civil partnerships who are challenging, by judicial review, the Assembly’s repeated refusal to legislate for same sex marriage.

Solicitor advocate Ciarán Moyangh of McLernon Moynagh Solicitors, representing the couple in Petition X, said: “This couple took their vows because they believe in the traditional values associated with marriage. They see it as the ultimate sign of commitment and best foundation for a family. That’s why having it downgraded to a civil partnership has been so distressing.”