Last week, we showed you the conversation taking place about the National Aids Commission's Equal Opportunities Bill. The ambitious piece of draft legislation is the culmination of over a year of work that the Commission has carried out. They say that it encompasses 19 different forms of discrimination that Belizeans face every day. This law seeks to give equal protection under the law to these citizens who are discriminated against. From their perspective, this draft bill represents an attempt to create a fairer and more inclusive society.
But, they need public support and buy-in to convince the government to table and pass it. Since last Saturday night, the Commission and its consultants have been visiting different parts of the country to conduct public consultations with interested sections of the population. At this hour, those consultations should be well underway in Dangriga.
But, our colleagues from Plus TV were at the consultation session last night in Belmopan. It was a 3-hour event, and with their help, we are able to give you a brief snapshot of how it went.
Among the opening speakers at last night's consultation was Judith Alpuche, the CEO of the Ministry of Human Development. Here's how she greeted the attendees who showed up to give their input:
From there, the Commission's consultant and legal draftsperson gave a fly-over view of the 19 characteristics that the draft legislation seeks to protect from discrimination. Here's what he told the crowd:
Last night's consultation was in the jurisdiction of what we might refer to as the seat of the conservative Belizeans who are against this bill. Those included pastors and members of the religious groups whose views are aligned with the National Evangelical Association of Belize. Tomorrow you'll hear their rebuttals to the bill.
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