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Editorial: A democratic decision vote on the bill indeed |
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Last Updated: November 15, 2006 |
Page: 1 |
November 15, 2006: Some church groups and oppositional political parties such as the Democratic Party (DA) and African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) in South Africa believe the decision in favour of the contested ‘Civil Unions Bill’ was a ‘slap in the face of democracy’, while forgetting that it’s also constitutional.
This parliamentary ruling on the bill – which allows homosexuals to use the word ‘marriage’ in their unions, is the ramifications of a true democracy, as the African National Congress (ANC) overwhelmingly outshined the oppositions in votes in Parliament and at the Home Affairs Department’s portfolio committee.
The oppositions’ stance on the bill is very pernicious, and an insult to Parliament and the constitution. In fact it seems true when they say it is undemocratic if the overwhelming majority opposes the bill, but very untrue when coming to pass bills and laws in the country.
Laws and bills in South Africa are being promulgated and passed by Parliament only not the general public, and that depends on a majority vote – which is very democratic according to the democracy the country purports. And in this case the bill has been passed looking at the majority turnout votes.
This process has always been democratic and constitutional. Viva democracy!
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