MLAs at Stormont this week debated legislation to ban conversion practices, which has significant implications for families and the criminal justice system. The bill, proposed by Alliance MLA Eóin Tennyson, includes provisions on gender identity that proved contentious.

During the debate, DUP MLAs attempted to ask Tennyson how many genders there are, but deputy speaker Carál Ní Chuilín ruled the question out of order. Sinn Fein's Emma Sheerin accused unionist members of showing themselves up as bigots for their questions on gender identity.

The DUP's Phillip Brett responded that Sinn Fein does not speak for gay people, noting that the DUP has gay members. Unionist MLAs raised serious concerns about the bill's potential impact on people's lives, while Tennyson argued that the legislation is not as risky as opponents claim.

The debate highlighted divisions over the bill and the role of MLAs in scrutinising legislation. The legislation could have profound implications, including altering the relationship between children, their families and the criminal justice system. The outcome of the bill remains to be seen.