Model Laura Lacole and footballer Eunan O’Kane are seeking to challenge laws by which couples wishing to have a humanist ceremony must also have a separate civil registration for their marriage to be legally recognised.

The couple are being supported in their action by the British Humanist Association.

Humanist marriages have been legally recognised in Scotland since 2005 and in the Republic of Ireland since 2012.

Mr Larkin will make submissions on a point of devolution when the full hearing takes place in Belfast today.

Belfast solicitor advocate Ciarán Moynagh of McLernon Moynagh Solicitors told Irish Legal News: “The case does raise matters of public interest and as there is a challenge to law the necessary notices issued from the Court. Accordingly the Attorney General is put on notice and on this occasion has entered an appearance.”