Crowds gather for anti-vaccine passport protest at Stormont
Protestors gathered outside parliament buildings to show their opposition to the introduction of the Covid-19 vaccination passport scheme.
Large crowds took to the iconic Stormont steps, holding signs which read “fear not freedom” and “we say no to vaccine passports”.
Northern Ireland's Covid certification scheme is set to become legally enforceable today (Monday).
The scheme requiring people to prove Covid status to gain entry to a range of hospitality venues and larges attendance events was introduced late last month with a two-week grace period to allow businesses adjust to the new requirements.
Under the regulations, businesses who repeatedly fail to administer the scheme could face fines of up to £10,000.
DUP MLA Paul Frew briefly addressed the gathered crowd, alongside DUP colleagues, Trevor Clarke and Jonathan Buckley, accepting the petition from the protesters.
Health Minister Robin Swann appealed to MLAs to back the scheme. He said the emergence of the Omicron variant had strengthened the case for introducing the system.
In a letter sent to all Assembly Members, Mr Swann called for a "respectful debate" on the measures and said opponents should set out their preferred alternatives.
"Firstly, it needs to be recognised that Covid certification is a public health measure. By introducing it, the Executive and the Assembly will be following public health advice.
"The Chief Medical Officer (Sir Michael McBride) and Chief Scientific Adviser (Professor Ian Young) have both recommended the initiative to help reduce the risk of infection in higher risk settings."
Anti-vaccine Protest held at Stormont on Mon 13th Dec:
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