Debate contribution: Display of Flags and Emblems Bill: Second Stage
Debate contribution by Mr Maurice Bradley on .
- MLA
- Mr Maurice Bradley
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist 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 5740398
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I will try to address the Bill in a common-sense way. The intention may be worthwhile. Nobody should have to live under the shadow of a terrorist organisation. I certainly do not defend the display of flags or emblems belonging to proscribed organisations where they are being used to threaten or intimidate. However, good intentions do not automatically make good legislation. The question before us is whether the Bill is clear, fair and workable, and I do not think that it is. When I go through the Bill clause by clause, I have serious concerns. Clause 1 — this is the heart of the Bill — provides for the removal of flags and emblems in the public interest. It uses descriptions such as "intimidatory", "threatening", "offensive", "abusive", "insulting" and "antagonistic". The Bill also refers to something being:
"not conducive to good community relations".
I will.
145 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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