Allister slams Bill of Rights Forum Report
02 April 2008
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has slammed the report published by the Bill of Rights Forum.
Commenting the QC said:
“Back in February I met with Chief NI Human Rights Commissioner, Monica McWilliams to express my opposition at the direction in which the proposed Bill of Rights appeared to be headed. Today’s report has confirmed my worst fears.
“The suggestion that the age of criminal responsibility be raised to 18 is outrageous. This will mean that a young adult who is considered old enough to pay taxes, drive a car and join the armed services will not be held liable for breaking the law.
“I am gravely concerned by the suggestion that women be given “reproductive rights”. This has the potential to threaten the most vulnerable of our citizens, unborn children whose right to the most basic and fundamental human right – the right to life – is threatened by what sounds dangerously like doublespeak for abortion.
“It is also distressing to see that the Human Rights Forum is following the lead of the Office of the First and deputy First Minister in failing to draw a distinction between innocent victims of the Troubles and those responsible for atrocities.
“It is my firm belief that Northern Ireland does not need a separate Bill of Rights, distinct from the Constitutional safeguards already in existence in the rest of the United Kingdom.”
ENDS
