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

Debate contribution by Mr Gordon Lyons on 15 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Gordon Lyons
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 15 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5706343

Text

I thank the Member for giving way. This is a key point. The terms "fear", "alarm" and "distress" exist in other legislation, with one example being the Public Order Act 1986, which applies in England and Wales. How those terms are treated is important. Where there has been intent to cause "fear", "alarm" or "distress", that can carry a custodial sentence, but, where there is no intent, the person will be subject to a fine only. Does that not intersect with this Bill and give us a great example of how the issues to do with intent are not properly dealt with? In the circumstances that the Member is talking about — a parent speaking to a child or a person speaking in front of a congregation — the intent may not be there, but the punishment still can be.

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

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