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Does the Member agree that, if responsible politicians do not articulate issues around illegal immigration and the delays in the asylum system, that cedes ground to the likes of Tommy Robinson, who then make the running on it and amplify hate?
I appreciate the Member taking an intervention. Does the Member agree that, regardless of whether a person is legal or illegal — there are ways to deal with somebody who is illegal, and that has to be done — we are talking today about race hate. It does not matter whether you are legal or illegal: anybody who attacks…
As the debate has progressed, we have started to go down rabbit holes and little culs-de-sac, rather than focusing on what should be front and centre in the overall debate, which is the suggestion that racism and sectarianism are a stain on our society, albeit elements of the motion are about what should happen within…
I am pleased that the Member gave way. Further to his comment about the psychology of deterrence, does he agree that there is a deterrent effect for the people who are committing hate crimes, or those who are reporting hate crimes, when they see that the people who are coordinating them, or who are connected to the…
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I condemn, unequivocally, hate crime and all forms of crime. It is an evil act, and we should have no hesitation in condemning it; I have done that my whole life. I value the role that lawful migrants play in society. That is an important part of tackling the intolerance that can lead to…
I appreciate the intervention. I am not sure how much I agree with it. I have not agreed with a lot of what the Member has said over the airwaves before he came into the House. We will probably agree to disagree quite a bit, Mr Burrows. I appreciate the motion, and we will support it. In June, we saw racist…
I make no apology for opposing the Minister's proposal. No matter who was consulted, it is the Minister's proposal. It is clear: Ministers decide. The reason is clear. To give a ticket for the offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm that includes knocking someone unconscious, smashing their teeth out,…
I thank the Members who tabled the motion. I want to address one of the points that the previous Member to speak made, which was on out-of-court disposals. We absolutely need to look at where they are appropriate and necessary and at where they will speed up justice and ensure that cases that we need to go to court…
The Member is, of course, correct, and that is one of the reasons why, in speeding up justice, we are looking at the increased use of out-of-court disposals. However, his colleague consistently criticises the use of those out-of-court disposals, even those that the PSNI brought forward as recommendations. If we want…
One of the bravest and noblest men whom I have ever known was an Afghan Muslim whose name was Sher-Wali. He died fighting alongside me in Afghanistan. Why do I mention that? It is because I have been immersed in other cultures and religions. It is only when you do that that you get to understand better the people with…
The Member talked about having a unified voice condemning all sectarianism and hatred. Will she condemn unreservedly the sectarian assassination of 10 people at Kingsmills?
I begin my remarks by stating clearly that there is absolutely no place for racism, sectarianism, intolerance, intimidation or violence in our society. Every representative in every political institution, local and national, across the island of Ireland has a duty to stand up and speak out against discrimination,…
Thank you, Deputy Speaker. When we distil what our responsibilities in the Assembly are and go back to the basics, it is clear that our foundational responsibility as political representatives is to do everything that we can to protect vulnerable people across our society, no matter their race, sexuality, ability or…
I appreciate the Member taking the intervention; I know that he has taken a number of interventions. As with anything that goes to court, you have to prove that there is an aggravator. You have to offer that proof. You could not just say, "I think that it is because of my sexuality or my race". You absolutely would…
The Member stood in the Chamber and implored, I think, the Finance Minister, when that Minister was bringing legislation before the Chamber, to move it by amendment so that it could be introduced more effectively to the Committee. Therefore, why the difference when it comes to the Justice Bill and legislation from…
I appreciate the Member being generous. I reassure him that the model that is proposed by Judge Marrinan and that will be taken forward by the Department is an aggravator to existing crime. It is not creating a whole new raft of crimes. If, for example, you hit somebody, and it is motivated by racism, sectarianism or…
Does the Member not accept that it is completely unacceptable in our society to hate an individual because of the colour of their skin, their religion, their sexuality or their gender, and that surely all of us in the Assembly should be able to agree on at least that?