Debate contribution: Display of Flags and Emblems Bill: Second Stage
Debate contribution by Ms Paula Bradshaw on .
- MLA
- Ms Paula Bradshaw
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 22 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Private Members' Business
- Heading
- Display of Flags and Emblems Bill: Second Stage
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5739533
Read the official Assembly record
Text
As outlined at the start of the Bill, there is the absolute duty under those "intimidatory" categories, and there is then the "presumption". To enact the presumption and work your way through it, there is a process through which departmental officials would have to look at the vicinity, the circumstances and the reason for the flag being flown. As the Member said, maybe a sporting tournament or something similar is coming up. There is no automatic premise that departmental officials or their contractors would take flags down in the scenarios that you outline. Again, it is not about one or two complaints and then the Department jumps. There is a balancing act, and we have talked about striking the balance in that presumptive "reasonable person" test.
126 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.