Peaceful protest to be held in Derry to call for accelerated passage for Jade's Law
A peaceful protest is to be held at Derry’s Guildhall on May 29 to highlight the campaign for Jade’s Law in Northern Ireland and call upon the Northern Ireland Assembly to fast-track the legislation.
A petition was recently launched in Derry calling for Jade’s Law to be introduced in Northern Ireland.
It outlined how Jade’s Law ‘was created to end the secondary victimisation of families following domestic homicide.’
The petition stated: "It ensures that parental responsibility is automatically suspended for any parent convicted of murdering or committing voluntary manslaughter against the person with whom they shared that responsibility, and that the burden of proof rests with the convicted individual to justify any continued involvement in the child’s life.
"Because family law is devolved, Northern Ireland remains outside the scope of these protections. This has left families, already devastated by loss, forced to consult the person responsible for their loved one’s death on decisions affecting surviving children. This is not only unjust; it is inhumane.”
The petition has been signed by almost 13,000 people.
At the end of April, Finance Minister John O’Dowd said he had instructed his officials ‘to initiate detailed policy development now including provisions similar in effect to Jade’s Law, as part of a wider reform of parental responsibility and family law reforms.’
He added: “I am committed to legislating to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people here. Undertaking this important work and developing this legislation will enable a Bill to be brought forward in the early part of the next mandate.”
Organisers of the peaceful protest, which will take place from 2-5pm on Friday, May 29, posted on the Jade’s Law for NI Facebook page that they’ didn’t sign a petition for change just to get nowhere — we want our voices heard.’
"Stormont can use accelerated passage, and children’s safety must come first. This is a duty of care, and it needs to happen fast. No more waiting.”
They urged everyone to go along on the day in support and to also sign the petition, confirm that via email, spread the word and tell everyone about the protest.
You can find more information at Jade’s Law for NI on Facebook and sign the petition at www.openletter.earth/petition-for-jades-law-equivalent-in-northern-ireland