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The Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987

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Changes to legislation:

The Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 14 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Help about Changes to Legislation

  1. Introductory Text

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    PART I INTRODUCTORY

    1. 1.Title and commencement

    2. 2.Interpretation

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    PART II PROCESSIONS AND MEETINGS

    1. Art. 3 rep. by 1998 c. 2

    2. 4.Imposing conditions on public processions and open-air public meetings

    3. 5.Prohibiting public processions and open-air public meetings

    4. Arts. 6, 6A rep. by 1998 c. 2

    5. 7.Endeavours to break up public processions or public meetings

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    PART III STIRRING UP HATRED OR AROUSING FEAR

    1. Acts intended or likely to stir up hatred or arouse fear

      1. 8.Meaning of “fear” and “hatred” etc.

      2. 9.Use of words or behaviour or display of written material

      3. 10.Publishing or distributing written material

      4. 11.Distributing, showing or playing a recording

      5. 12.Broadcasting or including programme in cable programme service

      6. 13.Possession of matter intended or likely to stir up hatred or arouse fear

    2. Supplementary provisions

      1. 14.Powers of entry and search

      2. 15.Savings for reports of parliamentary, Assembly or judicial proceedings

      3. 16.Punishment of offences under Part III

      4. 17.Interpretation of Part III

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    PART IV MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC ORDER OFFENCES

    1. 18.Riotous or disorderly behaviour in public place

    2. 19.Provocative conduct in public place or at public meeting or procession

    3. 20.Obstructive sitting, etc., in public place

    4. 21.Wearing of uniform in public place or at public meeting

    5. 22.Carrying of offensive weapon in public place

    6. 23.Offences in relation to public buildings and activities therein

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    PART V MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

    1. Temporary powers to deal with activities in a locality

      1. 23A.Powers to require removal of disguises

      2. 23B.Powers to stop and search in anticipation of violence

      3. 23C.Retention and disposal of things seized under Article 23A and 23B

    2. General provisions relating to offences

      1. 24.Powers of arrest

      2. 25.Consent to prosecution

      3. 26.Forfeiture

    3. Repeal of Flags and Emblems (Display) Act (Northern Ireland) 1954

      1. 27.Repeal of Flags and Emblems (Display) Act (Northern Ireland) 1954

    4. Supplementary

      1. 28.Amendments, savings, transitional provisions and repeals

  7. SCHEDULES

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      Schedule 1 — Amendments

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      Schedule 2 — Repeals

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