Debate on the Bahamas Constitutional Amendment Bills was delayed in the House of Assembly yesterday after Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis indicated that the opposition needed more time to properly educate itself and its supporters on the matter.
"This is a constitutional matter that we must deal with," said Minnis in the House of Assembly.
"And as you know, the constitution is the heart and soul of our country.
"Therefore, the opposition would like additional time to review and discuss the matter...so that there is a proper understanding among its constituents, proper understanding among supporters and proper understanding, especially, among all Bahamian women and men at large so that they can understand exactly what this equality bill is all about."
The bills were tabled last week and debate was expected to begin yesterday.
The passing of the bills will pave the way for a referendum that will focus on gender equality. The referendum, which is scheduled for November 6, will follow an "extensive educational process".
Minnis said he supports the bills and will seek to move forward "as quickly as possible".
"No one can debate the fact that the women in this country have fought for a long time," he said.
"In fact, they fought through the women's suffrage movement and, Mr. Speaker, today women still suffer in terms of equality. I know what the female population goes through, coming from a single parent background.
"...I would be the first to agree that we should have equality for women."
Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly Dr. Bernard Nottage said the government supports the opposition members' move to educate themselves on the issues.
"We got the impression that there was unanimity of support for the bills and if there are questions, we are fully supportive of giving time for that to take place," Nottage said.
"...I think it would be useful for the opposition and ourselves to get together during the course of this week, so that we can fully understand what their concerns are and they can fully understand what our desire is."
Nottage said he hoped to wrap up debate on the constitution bills by next week. However, it is unclear if that is still possible.
The House was suspended until next Wednesday.
Following the suspension, Prime Minister Perry Christie told reporters that he wants the opposition to have as much access to information on the referendum as the government does.
"I think that it is good because the Constitutional Commission can take the opportunity to address the leadership of the FNM, as they should the leadership of the PLP, because part of their job is public education," Christie said.
"There ought to be no difference at all between the parties with respect to this matter, and the only way a referendum will take place is if we are united."
Minnis also said there must be unity in order for the referendum to succeed.

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