A letter crafted by New York Republican Congressman Mike Lawler is urging the Irish government to take the United Kingdom to court in the wake of British legacy legislation that will shut down multiple Troubles-related investigations in Northern Ireland.
The letter has been sent to both Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste Micheál Martin.
It has been cosigned by GOP congressman Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania and Democratic congresswoman Betty McCollum from Minnesota.
The letter to the two Irish leaders states: "Thank you for your steadfast commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, the Stormont House Agreement, and justice for victims' relatives of controversial killings which occurred during the Troubles.
"We write today to express our strong concern about the United Kingdom’s Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act and urge the Republic of Ireland to strongly consider seeking legal action against the UK at the European Court of Human Rights.
"As you know, the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act limits criminal investigations and legal proceedings relating to the Troubles, providing amnesty for murder and shutting down historical criminal investigations.
"The Irish government and all Irish political parties voiced concerns with this bill while it was moving through Westminster, and multiple international organizations have expressed opposition over human rights violations.
"By granting immunity for criminals, restricting remedy for victims, and impeding information recovery, this bill clearly undermines the Good Friday Agreement and neglects the frameworks agreed by the two governments in the Stormont House Agreement.
"Following the bill’s proposal, the Irish government has worked hard to steer the British government off this path. We sincerely appreciate your use of diplomatic channels to push back then, and we recognize your continued commitment to examining options moving forward.
"At this time, we ask that you strongly consider taking this case to the European Court of Human Rights. While we understand the gravity of this decision, we believe it is a necessary step to protect victims and their families, and to test compliance of the Legacy Act with the European Convention on Human Rights, which is central to the Good Friday Agreement.
"As strong advocates for peace and justice, we appreciate your consideration of this request, and we look forward to supporting the Irish government should you take this next step."
