‘Moral’ issues continue to provoke not just debate but political controversy in Northern Ireland.
Most recently it was the “furore” over the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s version of the Bible in Newtownabbey. But there are many other examples including the establishment of the Marie Stopes Clinic in Belfast and the availability of abortion; the continued lifetime ban on blood donation by gay men; gay adoption; equal marriage … [Ed – advertising on cigarette packets?]
How should politicians address moral issues?
Platform for Change have organised a panel discussion on this topic tomorrow evening, Monday 24 February at 7.30pm in Dukes Hotel, University Street, Belfast.
While contributions from the floor will be encouraged, a panel has been assembled to give their views:
- Steven Agnew (Green Party)
- Dave Archard (political philosopher, QUB)
- Edna Longley (emeritus professor and cultural critic)
- John O’Doherty (Rainbow Project)
- Malachi O’Doherty (writer and commentator)
- Joanne Stuart (business consultant)
With deeply held Christian beliefs often cited as the reason for politicians taking particular stances on moral issues, it’s a shame there isn’t a politician to represent that viewpoint on the panel.
Update – post and audio from the event
Alan Meban. Tweets as @alaninbelfast. Blogs about cinema and theatre over at Alan in Belfast. A freelancer who writes about, reports from, live-tweets and live-streams civic, academic and political events and conferences. He delivers social media training/coaching; produces podcasts and radio programmes; is a FactCheckNI director; a member of Ofcom’s Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland; and a member of the Corrymeela Community.
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