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

Debate contribution by Mr Eóin Tennyson on 28 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Eóin Tennyson
Party at the time: Alliance Party
Date: 28 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5762935

Text

I thank the Minister for giving way. That is an important point regarding the tests that are added in the Bill, given that the provision is being applied in a different context. He noted that, in domestic abuse legislation, there is no requirement for there to be intent; it can be simply that the behaviour was likely to cause harm or the individual was reckless as to whether harm was caused. We have narrowed the scope of the application of the "coercive behaviour" definition in the Bill by specifically requiring:
"intent to change or suppress sexual orientation or gender identity".
We have narrowed the circumstances in which that could be defined. As I have done before, I acknowledge what he said about the repeated mention of "harm" in the debate. Claire Sugden and other Members also talked about that. I am happy to look at the "harm" threshold in order to ensure that we get the correct balance of rights. I believe that there is a way through that can provide some reassurance.

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

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