Marshalled List of Amendments
31 May 2024
Item 4: Order Paper 36/22-27 – Tuesday 4 June 2024
Motion: Independent Inquiry into the Alleged Use of Wiretapping of Northern Ireland Journalists
Proposed:
That this Assembly recognises the essential role of a free press in an open and democratic society; understands that a vital part of that role is the investigation and scrutiny of public bodies, including the legitimate use and protection of sources; affirms that the press cannot be expected to operate effectively if journalists can be intimidated, harassed or subject to unwarranted or unjustified surveillance; and calls on the Minister of Justice to launch an independent inquiry into the alleged use of wiretapping and other unlawful practices against journalists.
Leader of the Opposition
Amendment 1
Leave out all after ‘unwarranted or unjustified surveillance;’ and insert:
‘notes that the Investigatory Powers Tribunal hearings are ongoing; recognises, as per the Report of The Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland, that the PSNI are operationally responsible to the Northern Ireland Policing Board; agrees with the Minister of Justice’s assessment that this is, in the first instance, a matter for the Policing Board to consider; and welcomes her assurances that she remains open and willing to assist the Board if required.’
[Miss Nuala McAllister]
[Mr Stewart Dickson]
[Mr Peter McReynolds]
[Mr John Blair]
Motion: Hate Crime Legislation in Northern Ireland
Proposed:
That this Assembly notes the alarming prevalence of hate motivated crimes in Northern Ireland and across these islands; recognises that legislation governing hate motivated crimes in Northern Ireland is outdated and no longer fit for purpose; believes that hate crime legislation can protect communities with protected characteristics while ensuring adequate protection for the freedom of speech and reasonable religious political or other beliefs; acknowledges the work of the Marrinan Review into hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland; expresses disappointment at the lack of progress that has been made in enacting the recommendations of the Review in the past four years; and calls on the Minister of Justice to introduce standalone hate crime legislation, based on the definition and recommendations set out in the Marrinan Review, within the next twelve months.
Leader of the Opposition
Amendment 1
Leave out all after ‘hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland;’ and insert:
‘regrets the lack of progress over the past three and a half years due to the lack of a functioning Executive and Assembly; and welcomes the Minister of Justice’s commitment to legislate for foundational hate crime provisions as part of her legislative programme in this Assembly mandate.’
[Mr Stewart Dickson]
[Ms Paula Bradshaw]
[Ms Connie Egan]
[Ms Kate Nicholl]
Motion: Conversion Practices
Proposed:
That this Assembly deplores that harmful and damaging conversion practices are still legal in Northern Ireland; recognises that conversion practices can take many forms and can occur in a variety of settings; notes the findings from the May 2024 publication, A Study of Conversion Practices in Northern Ireland, by Professor Fidelma Ashe and Dr Danielle Mackle; reaffirms its support for a ban on conversion practices in all forms; and calls on the Minister for Communities to commit to bringing forward legislation on an effective ban on conversion practices before the end of the current Assembly mandate.
Leader of the Opposition
Amendment 1
Leave out all after ‘That this Assembly’ and insert:
‘recognises that harmful and damaging conversion practices can take place in Northern Ireland; notes that conversion practices can take many forms and can occur in a variety of settings; acknowledges the findings from the May 2024 publication, A Study of Conversion Practices in Northern Ireland, by Professor Fidelma Ashe and Dr Danielle Mackle; further recognises that where an individual voluntarily wishes and actively seeks prayerful and pastoral support, this should not be withheld from them, and as such this does not constitute a conversion practice; and calls on the Minister for Communities to consult widely on the way ahead, including relevant legislative options, to ban the practice of conversion therapy but to also ensure legal safeguards are in place to protect freedom of religion and freedom of speech.’
[Mr Brian Kingston]
[Mr Maurice Bradley]
[Mr Trevor Clarke]
