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MAGINNESS: ATTACK ON RIGHTS FORUM IS OLD POLITICS SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness MLA said the DUP motion in the Assembly attacking the Bill of Rights Forum has nothing to do with inclusion or equal rights for all, but is a resurgence of the old sectarian politics. He said: “This motion is about sectarianising an issue which should in fact provide opportunities for developing common ground between our communities. Regrettably, it is yet another example of the DUP’s policy of dividing out that which we must share, of splitting up everything that we should use to try to bring our people together. “Yet it is a matter of fact and record that both sections of our community see the benefit of a Bill of rights. 160 plus countries have signed up to the International Convention on Civic and Political Rights – all languages, all cultures. So it is surely not beyond our wit to agree a shared set of values for how we want to live together and build a better future for our children. “The SDLP has always argued for a comprehensive and agreed Bill of Rights, which can attract the support of all sections of our society. We do not accept that the Good Friday Agreement prevents us from agreeing an inclusive Bill of Rights. “The comments of Michelle McIlveen of the DUP brought her party into disrepute and did the community a disservice. The amount to a misuse of parliamentary privilege to name individuals involved in public life and comment on their supposed political affiliations. Disgraceful attack on individuals and a colle ctive attack on the Forum. “The Forum is reflective of society at large. As a member I believe we can send out a message to the community that we have the maturity and mutual respect to set out a vision for the future, that we can accept that each person’s rights are all of our responsibility.” ENDS
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