SF To Block 'Conscience Clause'

Sinn Féin will block the so-called 'Conscience Clause Bill' when it comes before the Assembly, the party has said.

The party's South Down MLA Caitríona Ruane explained: "Sinn Féin said we would oppose any attempt to undermine the rights of all people in our society to have equal and fair service when buying goods and services."

The 'Conscious Cause' Bill is being introduced by the DUP's Paul Givan as a means to allow businesses to refuse goods or services to people based on deeply held religious beliefs.

Critics of the Bill say that, if made law, it would enable restaurants, hotels and other service providers to refuse the custom of gay, lesbian and transgender patrons.

"We have lobbied other MLAs in the Assembly to back a Petition of Concern to block what in our view is an attempt to bring in discriminatory legislation," Ms Ruane said. "I have called on the SDLP and Alliance parties to support us but am now confident that we can reach the threshold to block this bill from becoming law.

"In the past signs read, no dogs no blacks no Irish, those signs were wrong, that discrimination was wrong. Any attempt to recreate that type of discrimination today against the LGB & T community is also wrong. It’s important therefore we as a society send out a very clear signal that the days of banning certain sections of society from shops or services are long gone."

(IT/MH)