A DUP amendment to an Assembly recall motion to support the right to protest has been rejected.
The amendment, stating that the right to “peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of any democracy and must be protected”, was brought forward by the DUP’s Brian Kingston.
It was defeated with 28 members voting in favour and 43 voting against.
MLAs returned to the Assembly today to discuss a recall motion condemning the recent disorder and rejecting “all forms of racism” following the recent violent disorder in the north.
It was brought forward by the Alliance party and supported by the SDLP, Sinn Féin, UUP and Independent MLA Claire Sugden.
Following the vote on the amendment Speaker Edwin Poots put the original Alliance motion to the chamber and it passed unanimously.
It states the Executive stands “united in our call for an end to the violence, disorder and racist attacks”and that “all criminality will be addressed with a zero-tolerance approach.”
It continues: “People are entitled to take part in peaceful protests and to raise concerns, but there is no justification for racism in any form or for acts of violence and destruction.
“It is important that we recognise the significant and positive contribution of minority ethnic people within our health service, economic, public, political, social, and cultural life.
“Everyone who lives here deserves to be part of and benefit from a fair and inclusive society where everyone is made to feel safe and welcome.”
