SDLP Foyle spokesperson Colum Eastwood MLA has called for political reform to challenge consistent abuse of a Stormont veto by the DUP.
Mr Eastwood made the call following news that the DUP has tabled a petition of concern against an SDLP Assembly motion on Marriage Equality.
He said: “The abuse of the petition of concern mechanism by the DUP has become prolific.
“Last week they abused it to ensure amateur sporting clubs wouldn’t receive rates relief.
“Next week they’ll abuse it to veto equality for members of the LGBT community. Each time they do so, they undermine the principles of powersharing and they erode public confidence in the Assembly.
“There is nothing to be feared from Equality for the LGBT community. Indeed, the SDLP policy position contains robust protections for faith groups.
“We recognise the need to ensure that faith groups retain their ability to exercise their own definition of marriage.
“That was key to winning the referendum in the South, it will be key to winning support in the North.
“The Petition of Concern is a mechanism designed to protect minority communities.
“The DUP are shameless in using it to veto equality and, by extension, discriminate against a minority community.
“Their obsession with pressing the nuclear button everytime they see a proposal they don’t like is no way to do government and demands urgent attention.
“I will be pressing for reform to the Petition of Concern to create a check against the DUP’s unfettered abuse of power.
“They have hollowed out and perverted a critical instrument for defending against discrimination. It cannot continue.”
