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

Debate contribution by Mr Pádraig Delargy on 22 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Pádraig Delargy
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 22 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5741504

Text

I thank the Member for giving way on that. We have heard the phrase "chilling effect" time and time again. It is, frankly, ridiculous, because the chilling effect that has been had on the LGBTQIA+ community by political unionism here for 100 years is the real "chilling effect". The fact that people in the LGBTQIA+ community are struggling more than anyone else with poor mental health, poor health outcomes, higher rates of suicide and higher rates of suicide ideation is the key issue here. Mr Buckley talked about "the law according to Mr Tennyson", but, for everyone else who lives in the North, it has been the law according to the DUP. That position is ridiculous. You have talked about faith, the church and pastors. I grew up with a background of strong faith, as many Members of the Assembly did. Our faith taught us to show love, tolerance and inclusion all the time, and your faith teaches that, too, regardless of whether you choose to ignore that. Standing up and using faith as a reason to block the Bill misrepresents the reality of many churches and church leaders in the North. That is really disingenuous, because so many church leaders here include the LGBTQIA+ community in so much of what they do. Of course, there are spaces and avenues that still need to be explored. That conversation has begun and is evolving, but such comments are really disingenuous, and they misrepresent their position.
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Unfortunately, because the DUP want to use technicalities —
— it has ensured that —.
I am trying to make my point of order.
No, I am trying to make my point of order.
I am trying to make my point of order.
I am trying to make my point of order.
Can I make my point of order?
Can I make my point of order?
My point of order is about the fact that I have come to the Chamber. I have been in the Chamber and the Assembly for the duration of the debate. We are all able to take part in the debate.
Whether or not I have been in, I think that making a personal attack on other Members in the Chamber is really disingenuous.
I did not personally attack anyone. I have made a point of order. It is very disingenuous.
I am as entitled as any Member in the Assembly —
— to come here and make a point.
I am as entitled as any Member —
— in the Chamber —.
It is a tad embarrassing that you

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

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