Controversial Children’s Bill referred to another committee

THE much-debated Children’s Status Bill has been referred once more to a parliamentary committee.

The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Marlene Mungunda, tabled a motion to this effect on Thursday, the last day of this parliamentary session. Proceedings in the National Assembly were delayed for two hours because there was no electricity in the Parliament buildings.”Due to the importance of the Bill and the public interest it stirred, I have held consultations …and request to refer the Bill to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human and Social Resources,” Mungunda moved.The motion was accepted.On Wednesday, Mungunda wanted to table more than 20 amendments to the Bill, which prompted intense debate about whether this was in line with the standing rules or not.The National Assembly went into recess on Thursday and will resume sessions in September.Proceedings in the National Assembly were delayed for two hours because there was no electricity in the Parliament buildings.”Due to the importance of the Bill and the public interest it stirred, I have held consultations …and request to refer the Bill to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human and Social Resources,” Mungunda moved.The motion was accepted.On Wednesday, Mungunda wanted to table more than 20 amendments to the Bill, which prompted intense debate about whether this was in line with the standing rules or not.The National Assembly went into recess on Thursday and will resume sessions in September.