Section 51D Censure resolutionsF1
This section applies to the following resolutions of the Assembly—
a resolution censuring a Minister or junior Minister—
because he is not committed to non-violence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means; or
because of any failure of his to observe any other terms of the pledge of office;
a resolution censuring a political party—
because it is not committed to non-violence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means; or
because it is not committed to such of its members as are or might become Ministers or junior Ministers observing the other terms of the pledge of office.
A motion for a resolution to which this section applies shall not be moved unless—
it is supported by at least 30 members of the Assembly;
it is moved by the First Minister and the deputy First Minister acting jointly; or
it is moved by the Presiding Officer in pursuance of a notice under subsection (3).
If the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the Assembly ought to consider a resolution to which this section applies, he shall serve a notice on the Presiding Officer requiring him to move a motion for such a resolution.
In forming an opinion under subsection (3), the Secretary of State shall in particular take into account the matters listed in section 30(7).
A resolution to which this section applies shall not be passed without cross-community support.
Annotations
Textual amendments
- F1
S. 51D inserted (7.1.2004) by Northern Ireland (Monitoring Commission etc.) Act 2003 (c. 25), ss. 9, 12; S.I. 2004/83, art. 2
Notes on Part IV
Modifications
- C1
Pts. II-IV applied in part (1.1.2007) by The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/439), reg. 53(6)