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Fury as Secrecy Bill g ets the nod in South Africa
By Babalo Ndenze
Right2Know members protest outside the ANC headquarters, Luthuli House. Photo: Itumeleng English
Cape Town – Emotions ran high as MPs took on each other over the dreaded Protection of State Information Bill, which was passed by an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly on Thursday.
After years of deliberations on the bill, also known as the Secrecy Bill, Parliament finally voted on the legislation after several amendments because of objections about its constitutionality.
A total of 190 members voted in favour of the bill and 75 against it.
There was only one abstention.
The bill will now go to President Jacob Zuma for a final decision.
This could be one of the last chances for those opposed to the bill as they call on Zuma to send the legislation to the Constitutional Court for a review before he finalises it.
The passing of the bill has also left the government open to a Constitutional Court challenge from the Right2Know campaign that wants certain clauses included.
Philosophers stone – selected views from the boat
http://philosophers-stone.co.uk
2013-04-26 09:03:33
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