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

Debate contribution by Mr Paul Givan on 22 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Paul Givan
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 22 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5741647

Text

Further to that point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Standing Orders expressly state that the Speaker's decisions are final; that a Deputy Speaker, when occupying the Chair, is equivalent to the Speaker; and that no Member of the Assembly can challenge the authority of whoever occupies that seat. For the purposes of the debate, you are Mr Speaker. It is unprecedented that the Principal Deputy Speaker would challenge the Speaker's ruling in an Assembly debate. Will you refer the Principal Deputy Speaker in particular to the Speaker to decide whether her conduct has violated the relevant Standing Order on how Members ought never to challenge whoever is in the Chair?

110 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.

Challenge this classification