Law makers reject gender equality bill

The Enugu State House of Assembly has on Tuesday rejected a gender equality bill tagged 'Equal Rights and Opportunities for Men and Women and Other Matters Related Thereto Bill'. This gender equality bill was proposed by a female lawmaker Hon. Dame Nkechi Omeje-Ogbu representing Nsukka West Constituency and also the chairman of the House Committe on Gender Affairs. According to Hon Omeje-Ogbu and i quote,the bill provided "protection for women's bodies, integrity, dignity and would affirm their right to equal opportunities to realise their full potentials". The gender equality bill which scaled through the first reading met it opposition during its discussion on Tuesday. Most male members of the house kicked against it on the grounds that such bill is 'anti-cultural' and 'un-African'. Hon. Sunny Ude-Okoye representing Agwu North Constituency, stood his ground against the bill, saying that he would not be a party to passage of such bill. He further suggessted for relocation to America of anyone who needs the bill. The gender equality bill would have met out right rejection if not for the timely intervention of the state speaker, Hon Edward Ubosi, who advised that the bill be scheduled for deliberation some other time.