Motion: Attacks on places of worship

"Council notes recently published research from charity CARE NI finding that over 600 attacks have been recorded on places of worship in Northern Ireland between 2014 and 2019.  19 of these attacks were recorded in the Fermanagh and Omagh Council area.

Council unreservedly condemns all attacks on places of worship in Northern Ireland regardless of their religion or denomination and upholds the important human right for individuals to be free to worship and live out their faith in this society.

Council notes the operation of the Places of Worship Security Scheme in England and Wales and writes to the Department for Justice calling for consideration to be given to the introduction of a similar scheme in Northern Ireland.

Council calls on Council officers to consider what actions can be taken at a Council level to provide advice and support to places of worship in terms of their security and to support places of workshop which have been attacked."