Senators block gender and equal opportunities bill because of Islam

A bill for gender and equal opportunities was stepped down in the Senate on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 after numerous lawmakers opposed it based on religious reasons.

Leading debate on the bill during plenary, Senator Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti South - PDP), said it would implement Section 42 of the constitution that provides for the elimination of discrimination against women.

The bill, the sponsor argued, would ensure the equality of opportunities for everyone, and guarantee them the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

"The bill, when enacted, will also encourage women to aspire and attain their full potentials considering the fact that there are real and nuanced forms of discrimination against women limiting their (career) entry and growth," she said.

Senator Stella Oduah (Anambra North - APC), supporting the bill, called on lawmakers in the chamber to pass the bill in consideration of all the women in their lives that would benefit.

Senators Gyang Istifanus Dung (Plateau North - PDP), Eyakenyi Akon Etim (Akwa Ibom South - PDP), Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central - APC), Ajibola Bashiru (Osun Central - APC), James Manager (Delta South - PDP), and Remi Tinubu (Lagos Central - APC) all supported the bill and asked that it be passed on to the relevant committee for further legislative action.

However, Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf ( Taraba Central - APC) said the socio-cultural practice of the northern region, derived from the Islamic religion, is against men and women being considered as equals.

"I will not support the passage of this until the word 'equal' is removed. If we now have debate on the gender opportunities bill, fine. But when you bring equality into it, it infringes into the practice of Islamic religion," he said.

Senator Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto North - APC) supported Yusuf's position, saying equity was okay, but equality was not.

Their objections led to a debate that lasted nearly an hour with Senate President, Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North - APC), advising that the bill be amended to address the concerns.

Senator Olujimi, at some point, offered to rename the bill 'gender equity bill', instead of 'gender and equal opportunities bill' that's offensive to those against its passage.

She argued that the bill had already been tested with Islamic clerics who were happy with the terms stated in it.

Unsatisfied, Senator Yusuf asked that the bill be stepped down until a draft has been read by lawmakers so that they can make a more informed decision.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa North - APC) also said it would be an injustice if the concerns of the lawmakers are not properly addressed before the bill is passed on to the next stage.

He said, "It will pay us greater dividend that we seek some advise. Let's have some little room for our neighbours. What's the hurry?"

Senators Bala Ibn N'Allah (Kebbi South - APC), and Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North - APC) also asked for wider consultations before the bill is considered for passage.

Senator Olujimi agreed to step down the bill due to the opposition to it, with plans to present it at a later date.

Lawan urged her to ensure the concerns raised are addressed in the amended draft to be forwarded to all senators to study.