Posted: Saturday, January 25, 2025. 7:05 am CST.
By Horace Palacio: Prime Minister John Briceño has renewed his pledge to pass the long-debated Equal Opportunities Bill, which aims to protect citizens from discrimination and promote inclusivity. The bill, introduced in 2020, has yet to become law due to significant pushback from conservative religious groups.
Briceño addressed concerns raised by churches, emphasizing his belief in a merciful God and the need for compassion and fairness. “I believe that God loves all of us,” Briceño said. “It’s not for me to judge but to do what is right for our people.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the legislation still requires fine-tuning and further consultation to address remaining concerns. One sticking point involves the establishment of a commission separate from the judiciary to handle discrimination complaints, which some stakeholders view as controversial.
Briceño expressed his determination to move the bill forward by the end of the year. “We can’t please everybody, but we’ll do our best to create a workable and inclusive law,” he stated.
The Equal Opportunities Bill seeks to provide legal protections for marginalized groups while fostering equality in various sectors. Briceño’s commitment signals a renewed push to advance Belize’s human rights agenda despite political and social challenges.
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The post PM Briceno vows to pass equal opportunities bill despite church opposition appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Prime Minister John Briceño has renewed his pledge to pass the long-debated Equal Opportunities Bill, which aims to protect citizens from discrimination and promote inclusivity. The bill, introduced in 2020, has yet to become law due to significant pushback from conservative religious groups.
The post PM Briceno vows to pass equal opportunities bill despite church opposition appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
