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Judge Rules Against Recusal in Belfast Film Festival Case

11/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Judge Sturgeon rejected the recusal, noting Mr. McKeown had no connection to current union issues or transgender matters.
Ms. Morrison's team argued Mr. McKeown's past as a Nipsa activist could compromise impartiality.
They claimed Nipsa has supported gender identity ideology since 2015 and McKeown has not been involved for seven years.
The Belfast Film Festival's legal team opposed this view, noting not all Nipsa members share the same opinions.

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Story summary

Judge Sturgeon rejected the recusal, noting Mr. McKeown had no connection to current union issues or transgender matters.
Ms. Morrison's team argued Mr. McKeown's past as a Nipsa activist could compromise impartiality.
They claimed Nipsa has supported gender identity ideology since 2015 and McKeown has not been involved for seven years.
The Belfast Film Festival's legal team opposed this view, noting not all Nipsa members share the same opinions.