Every imported question, contribution and motion, with its classification. Unflagged, uncertain and not-yet-analysed records are all included so the analysis can be checked independently.
I thank the junior Minister for her answer. Does she agree that the example set by political leaders has a significant bearing on building good relations in Northern Ireland? In that context, does she accept that the First Minister's recent attendance at an IRA commemoration event and her glorification of terrorism…
We have made a good lot of progress on building good relations through the Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) strategy, particularly across key areas such as shared housing; engagement of young people through the T:BUC camps and wider, on-the-ground delivery; the Urban Villages initiative; and the removal…
I thank the Member for giving way. I am aware that there has been a focus, particularly in recent years, on incidents that affected women negatively. Does the Member acknowledge that there have also been deaths in custody of trans prisoners due, at least in part, to policies that were extant in England and Wales?
I will not support the motion, because I am not content with its blanket wording. We need to allow room for individual circumstances. However, I am sympathetic to the practical consideration of biological sex; indeed, it is crucial to address the difference between sex and gender. It is a distinction that directly…
I thank the Member for giving way and for being the first male Member to allow a female to intervene. There has been mention of women's rights being undermined: does the Member agree that the women's sector in Northern Ireland is entirely trans-inclusive and is opposed to the motion?
I oppose the motion and the amendment. The motion talks about providing "continuous support" for the LGBTQ+ community, whilst urging the Justice Minister to force trans women into male prisons and to force trans men into women's prisons. The denial of trans and non-binary identity in prisons is inhumane. How can that…
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. This is the second time in the debate that we are discussing athletics and sport. With all due respect, I am the least qualified person to answer questions in that regard. Is it not a general rule of thumb that when we are engaging in debate in the Chamber, it should be on the body of…
I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion, which seeks to balance the rights, dignity and safety of all individuals across Northern Ireland. We must continue to advocate for the preservation of safe and accessible women-only spaces, including in prisons, as a matter of fairness and equality. Safeguarding and…
FlaggedGender, sexuality, abortion and related social issuesCriteria met: Sectarian or communal antagonism, Dog-whistle messaging.
I oppose the motion. I am, sadly, as disappointed as I am outraged by the gross insensitivity and playing to the audience by the proposers of the motion who, as individuals and as a party, are playing a very dangerous game with some of the most vulnerable people to have been committed to the care of our Prison…
Today's debate demands compassion and common sense. It is about ensuring the rights and safety of all individuals in prison while protecting the dignity and security of women. Personally speaking, I do not like labels. I do not assign labels to anybody. Therefore, when I speak, I speak of all, not one particular…
FlaggedGender, sexuality, abortion and related social issuesCriteria met: Dog-whistle messaging.
I will speak briefly on the motion and the amendment. When we discuss contentious issues that are subject to some controversy, as this issue clearly is — it would be odd not to acknowledge the fact that it has been the subject of significant public debate in recent years — it is important that we speak with honesty,…
I stand to speak on the extremely important topic of protecting the rights, dignity and safety of those in custodial facilities. My party and I wholeheartedly believe that we must do everything that we can to ensure that the societal rights of those in prisons or holding facilities are upheld while their liberty is…
I am grateful to colleagues for tabling the motion, which is on one of the most serious issues that women may face. All prisoners — indeed, everybody within and without the justice system — should, of course, be treated with courtesy, dignity and respect. However, in many aspects of life, women's rights and safe…
FlaggedGender, sexuality, abortion and related social issuesCriteria met: Identity framing, Sectarian or communal antagonism, Dog-whistle messaging.
The Ulster Unionist motion seeks to oversimplify a complex and sensitive issue. Instead of having concern for the vulnerability of people in custody, the motion seeks to use their vulnerability to play politics. The amendment from the TUV seeks to remove a broad expression of support for the LGBTQI+ community and…
Mr Speaker, you will recall that, at Question Time last week, I set the record straight about the court case to which the Member and the former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party have referred. There was no ruling against the courts in that case. Can we get that on the record? Perhaps Members will stop…
Before the debate, I, of course, studied the Prison Service guidance. I believe that the author of that guidance, while not agreeing with me on much, would agree that the opening words should be removed from the motion. I say that because the guidance states at paragraph 4: "Being transgender isn’t the same thing as…
FlaggedGender, sexuality, abortion and related social issuesCriteria met: Identity framing, Sectarian or communal antagonism, Dog-whistle messaging.