AQW 47730/22-27

Mr Trevor Clarke
Democratic Unionist Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 03/06/2026
Answered On Date: 09/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice whether any religious or cultural exemptions exist under current legislation, permitting individuals to carry bladed articles in public places.

Answer:

Under section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, possession of an article with a blade or point such as a knife, sword or dagger, in a public place is a criminal offence in Northern Ireland.

Section 139 further states that it shall be a defence for a person charged with possession of a bladed item in public, if the person can prove that they had it for good reason or lawful authority, or if they had it for:

use at work;

religious reasons; or,

as part of any national costume.