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

Debate contribution by Mr Paul Givan on 15 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Paul Givan
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 5707025

Text

It is. It is entirely the same thing. Here is the problem, Members: "reasonable" is undefined. There is no definition in the Bill as to what is deemed to be "reasonable", just as Kellie Armstrong's Bill did not define "reasonable". I was tested in court on those decisions as to what is "reasonable", and here we have it in this Bill undefined. There is no definition. Clause 1(2) states:
"It is a defence for the person to show that the therapy was reasonable in the particular circumstances."
No definition. That will be tested in court, just as Kellie Armstrong's flawed legislation was tested. So my answer to the proposer is yes. When it comes to your test of reasonableness, we opposed your legislation then and we oppose it this time as well.

132 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