Friday
22nd Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Parliament representative for Maradhoo constituency Ibrahim Shareef has described the bill to identify and penalize hate crimes presented to parliament by Thulhaadhoo MP Hisaan Hussain on behalf of the government as a double-edged sword.
MP Shareef has expressed great concern regarding the bill that would penalize accusing someone of irreligious practices in public places, spreading hate on the basis of Islamic principles, describing a Muslim as a Kaffir (non-Muslim) in public places, and accusing a Muslim of being a Kaffir in public places.
In a tweet posted today, MP Shareef likened the bill to a double-edged sword and stated that the matter must be discussed extensively among those involved. He added that leaders of the opposition and the public must also be taken into confidence.
Additionally, he observed that many want to bring several major changes to the bill. The amendment to Law 9-2014 of the Constitution of Maldives was drafted by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration.
Over 100 councils have written against the bill so far. 101 religious scholars have also presented a signed petition opposing the bill to President Solih. The President has yet to reply to the petition.