“The term ‘Hate Crime’ confronts us. It screams of aggression and violence, of the intolerant and the irrational. It is, what it is, and we should never shy for using it and never hide from tackling it.
“Ending hate crimes in all their manifestations must be a top policy, top political and top community priority. That’s precisely why I’m here today,” the Minister said.
“These crimes have their origins in unacceptable attitudes and behaviours because someone is different to you and not in a position to defend themselves against attack. Let me be absolutely clear, the Executive is committed to tackling intolerance, inequality, prejudice and bigotry. On sectarian and racist crime, OFMDFM works both directly, and through funded groups on a very wide range of activities to address attitudes and behaviours - to address tensions – to support initiatives and programmes on the ground.”
The conference was organised by Kilcranny House, a resource facility for cross-community work in Coleraine, as part of Community Relations Week which runs from 26 April to 3 May.
Notes to Editors:
- Other speakers included Richard Benjamin, Nil by Mouth, Lyn Moffet Ballymoney Community Resource Centre.
- Media enquiries to Gillian McKeown OFMDFM Press Office on 028 90 521595. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
