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

Debate contribution by Mr Paul Frew on 22 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Paul Frew
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 5741307

Text

I ask Members not to fall into a trap. The Bill does define "gender identity". It defines it by stating that it is:
"what the victim considers it to be".
That is a most dangerous definition. It therefore has been defined by the Bill sponsor. The Bill sponsor has done that purposely, and that is what the court would have to use. The definition of "gender identity" would be:
"what the victim considers it to be".
That is why the Bill is highly dangerous.

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

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