Monday 07 December 2020
Green Party MLA and Justice Committee Member Rachel Woods has said that she is deeply disappointed that the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill has not progressed today.
Rachel Woods said: "Justice Minister Naomi Long had an opportunity to progress domestic abuse legislation today. Disappointingly, the Minister chose to delay the progress of the Bill and deny MLAs the chance to debate the Bill at Further Consideration Stage.
"It's right that if the Minister has concerns around amendments to the Bill, she explains her concerns to the Assembly where MLAs can debate the relevant issues.
"Instead, the Minister's decisions mean that the Bill is unlikely to become law before the end of the year as she had previously and repeatedly indicated."
Rachel concluded: "Ultimately, victims are being failed once again. This is much needed and over-due legislation. The Minister must work with the Committee and the Assembly to get this legislation back on track and ensure that it provides the greatest possible protection for victims of domestic abuse."
ENDS
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