Nigeria Senate throws out gender equality bill

The Nigerian Senate has thrown out a proposal seeking gender equality for women.

The bill which seeks equal rights for women in marriage, education and work failed to be deliberated a second time after three senators opposed it, Graphic Online understands.

The bill, which was sponsored by the Senate Minority Whip, Biodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti South), sought to empower women politically and economically, as well as grant them  equal opportunities with men in diverse human endeavours, the report added.

According to report by Punchng.com, the bill was rejected after lawmakers argued that most of its provisions were in conflict with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria - the same reason given by lawmakers in the Seventh Senate, when similar bill was also rejected.

Others lawmakers cited religious and cultural reasons for not supporting the bill.

The BBC also noted that a Muslim lawmaker said in Islam, women get half of men’s share in inheritance, but the bill sought to make it equal, which was unacceptable.

Another Christian lawmaker quoted sections of the Bible to condemn the bill.