Rejection of balanced amendment undermines opportunity to protect rights – Beattie

Ulster Unionist Party MLA Doug Beattie MC has criticised the decision by Alliance, Sinn Féin and the SDLP to reject a proposed amendment in the Northern Ireland Assembly, which he says offered a balanced approach to protecting both LGBTQI+ rights and women’s rights.

The amendment, put forward during a motion addressing discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community, aimed not only to condemn such discrimination but also to acknowledge and safeguard women’s rights — particularly in areas such as single-sex spaces, competitive sport, and the use of language.

Doug Beattie, who represents Upper Bann, described the move by the three parties as a “deeply disappointing” rejection of a “measured and reasonable” proposal.

“There should be zero tolerance for homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. Discrimination against members of the LGBTQI+ community is wrong, and it must be challenged wherever it appears,” said Mr Beattie.

“At the same time, women across Northern Ireland have legitimate concerns about the protection of their spaces, the fairness of their participation in sport, and the importance of using clear language that reflects their reality. These concerns are not extreme or controversial — they are valid and deserve a respectful hearing.”

The Ulster Unionist MLA expressed dismay at what he described as political posturing, claiming it had come at the expense of an inclusive approach to human rights.

“The amendment, in our view, attempted to strike a fair balance between condemning discrimination and affirming women’s rights. It was a measured and reasonable approach. The fact that Alliance, Sinn Féin and the SDLP refused to support it is deeply disappointing.

“This rejection sends a clear message, when presented with a chance to adopt a truly inclusive and rights-based approach, they chose political posturing over practical protections. Rights should never be a zero-sum game — we can and must support the LGBTQI+ community while also recognising and protecting the rights of women.”

The debate has highlighted ongoing tensions within the Assembly around how best to navigate the intersection of rights-based issues in Northern Ireland.

While the original motion sought to affirm support for LGBTQI+ communities, critics of the vote argue that failing to include explicit protections for women risks polarising rather than uniting diverse groups under a shared vision for equality.

Mr Beattie’s intervention is likely to stir further discussion around how rights are legislated and balanced within a devolved government framework — especially in an increasingly polarised political climate.