Debate contribution: Racial Equality Legislation

Debate contribution by Ms Emma Sheerin on 13 October 2026.

MLA: Ms Emma Sheerin
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 13 October 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Opposition Business
Heading: Racial Equality Legislation
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5789959

Text

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.
On behalf of Sinn Féin, I support the motion. I thank the proposer for her articulate and broad introduction of the motion. I agree with much of what she said. We see the positive contribution that our black and ethnic minority communities make to this part of the world. We see a society here that is more diverse than it has ever been, and we are all the better for that. However, as with Ms McLaughlin, it pains me to see the way in which our ethnic minority communities have been treated and, in particular, the rise in violent attacks and the disgusting and shameful incidents that we saw occur again this summer. Like the Opposition, I am frustrated by the lack of progress on the issue. It is my understanding that, in the Executive Office, the First Minister has done everything that she can to progress the racial equality legislation in order to update the outdated Race Relations Order from the 1990s.
I would like to get an understanding, perhaps from junior Minister Bunting, who is responding to the debate —.
I will give you the opportunity now, if you would like to give me an explanation as to where the blockage is.
I suppose that the SDLP knows, and we all know in here, where the blockage to that is. As depressing as that is, it is what it is, but I know that it does not lie with our party. The proposer of the motion touched on the fact that Black History Month has its origins in America, where the shameful treatment of black people was seen over many generations. They were taken there as slaves and were treated terribly even after the end of the slave trade. We can see the same attitudes manifest themselves towards different sections of society. It is my view — I think that it is universally acknowledged — that racism, sectarianism, sexism, xenophobia and Islamophobia all find their roots in the same insecurity and hatred and fear of anyone who is different. We have to be consistent in our language and careful in our tone in calling all of that out all of the time and in creating a welcoming society that is free from harassment for everyone who lives here, regardless of what they contribute to society.

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

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