Debate contribution: Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Mr Jon Burrows on 15 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Jon Burrows
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 15 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5705678

Text

Thank you. It is important, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, that we conduct the debate with compassion and tact but also with precision. They are criminal offences that we are looking to create. Will the Member accept — rightly or wrongly and acknowledging that we can have different views — that the definition of gender identity in clause 6(1) is an entirely subjective one as opposed to an objective one? It is defined as:
"(a) what the victim considers it to be, and (b) what the person considers it to be."
By definition, therefore, it is entirely subjective, not objective.

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

Assessment

Awaiting analysis

This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification