Selective Treatment And Women’s Issues: I Wish To Lodge A Strong A Protest
By Rosy Senanayake -July 12, 2013 |
Rosy Senanayake
Today (11/07/2013) I sought to present the Bill which appeared as item 4 in today’s Order Paper, at which point the Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena raised an objection that the Attorney-General’s views had not been obtained. Consequently the matter was put off pending a ruling by Mr. Speaker.
In this connection, I wish to draw your attention to Standing Order 47 which sets out the procedure for presenting Private Members’ Bills.
You will note that there is not one word about obtaining the views of the Attorney-General.
Reference should also be made to Article 77 of the Constitution.
There again the duty is cast on the Attorney-General – not on the Member seeking leave to present a Bill.
It is for this reason that Standing Order requires the Bill be referred without discussion to the relevant Minister. Casting the obligation on the Minister to refer it to the Attorney-General.
