Alliance Party Leader, Sean Neeson has considered the recent upsurge in sectarian attacks on Churches, Orange Halls and other properties as Hate Crimes.
Mr. Neeson says recently the Alliance Party submitted proposals to Government on premeditated attacks on people or property on the grounds of religion, race, gender and sexual orientation.
There is no doubt in my mind that recent sectarian attacks on property should be treated no differently from other crime.
Hate Crimes legislation is working effectively in the USA and serious consideration should be given to such legalisation in Northern Ireland to underline the outrage which most people feel towards such attacks.
ENDS.