Debate contribution: Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill: Second Stage
Debate contribution by Mrs Pam Cameron on .
- MLA
- Mrs Pam Cameron
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 22 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Private Members' Business
- Heading
- Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill: Second Stage
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5741111
Read the official Assembly record
Text
At the outset, I say that abuse is abhorrent, whether it be coercion, cruelty, humiliation, violence or abuse that is directed against any person because of their sexual orientation or how they understand their gender. However, opposing abuse does not require us to support a badly drafted Bill, nor should legitimate concern for vulnerable people be used to silence proper scrutiny of a Bill that creates criminal offences that carry sentences of up to two years' imprisonment. The central question is not whether coercive and abusive behaviour is wrong — we can all agree that such behaviour is wrong; the question is whether the Bill is necessary, clearly defined and compatible with the fundamental freedoms that the Assembly is legally obliged to protect. On each of those tests, the Bill fails. Northern Ireland already has laws dealing with assault, threats, harassment, domestic abuse, child cruelty, sexual offences and controlling or coercive conduct within family and intimate relationships. I supported strong action against domestic abuse, and nothing that I will say today diminishes that position. If gaps remain in our existing law, the Bill sponsor should identify those gaps, provide evidence of the cases and legislate narrowly to close any such gaps that are identifiable.
204 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.