Debate contribution: Justice Bill: Consideration Stage

Debate contribution by Mr Maurice Bradley on 8 June 2026.

MLA: Mr Maurice Bradley
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 8 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Executive Committee Business
Heading: Justice Bill: Consideration Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5600962

Text

I see that the Chamber is full to hear my speech. I rise as a member of the Justice Committee to speak on this group of amendments, with particular reference to amendment Nos 70, 71, 72 and 78. My colleague Diane Forsythe will address amendment Nos 88 and 89 shortly. I refer to amendment Nos 45 to 48. Without repeating many of the valid points that have already been raised, I support the Minister's amendments. On the repeal of blasphemy laws, I will make only one comment. There are many religions, but, for anyone of Christian belief, there is only one faith: anyone can freely pick up a Bible and discover it. Amendment No 70 repeals the Vagrancy Act 1824 and the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847. Those are outdated laws that belong to a different era and do not reflect modern attitudes towards homelessness and vulnerability. I support the Minister's amendment. Criminalising those individuals is not the solution. They need support and intervention rather than outdated legislation. However, while I support the repeal of the vagrancy laws, I must also recognise the concerns raised by residents, businesses and communities about the antisocial behaviour and criminal activity that is associated with some street-based offending. That is why amendment Nos 71 and 72 are important. As a joint proposer of amendment No 71, I believe that it provides a sensible and proportionate replacement by creating the offence of trespassing with intent to commit a criminal offence. That is not about targeting vulnerable people but about targeting those who enter premises or enclosed areas intending to commit theft, criminal damage or other offences. Property owners and businesses have a right to protection. The law should provide the necessary tools to deal with criminal behaviour before further offences occur. Amendment No 72 addresses the exploitation of vulnerable people through organised begging. It is well recognised that, in some cases, individuals are encouraged, controlled or exploited by others who profit from their circumstances. As a joint proposer of the amendment, I believe that the focus should be on those who arrange or facilitate begging for gain and not on those who are themselves vulnerable. The amendment targets exploitation and criminality while recognising the need for support for those experiencing genuine hardship. I also support amendment No 78, which recognises that advertising sexual services is often intrinsically linked to the exploitation and commodification of vulnerable individuals. It is important that the organisers are pursued vigorously and dealt with harshly by the law. We failed to deal adequately with the godfathers of terrorism. We cannot fail to deal with the godfathers of exploitation, trafficking, prostitution and sexual exploitation. We must offer support to the victims, including those who may have chosen that lifestyle. The provision would address a significant gap in the current legislative framework by targeting those who facilitate or promote prostitution through advertising platforms, including digital media. The amendment appropriately places responsibility on individuals who knowingly publish or enable advertisements for sexual services, regardless of whether they derive financial benefit. It also provides important protection for those who may be coerced into advertising their own sexual services. The measure strengthens efforts to reduce demand, tackle exploitation and support a wider strategy aimed at protecting vulnerable people from sexual exploitation. For that reason, I ask Members to support the entire group of amendments.

557 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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