IS OUR NATIONALASSEMBLY IN BREACH OF THE CONSTITUTION BY BANNING BIBLE QUOTES FROM MPS DURING PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES IN HOUSE?
At one time former deputy speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Namugala censured an MP who quoted the Bible in his/her debates arguing that it was not allowed in the Zambian Parliament.
Yet the Constitution of Zambia in its preamble opens with the following phrase; *WE, THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA ACKNOWLEDGE the supremacy of God Almighty; DECLARE the Republic a Christian Nation while upholding a person’s right to freedom of conscience, belief or religion*
However, the Standing Orders from Order 44 on the RULES OF DEBATE do not mention any ban on quoting the Bible in members debates.
Where does this ban come from and why is not in written if it is a practice for the Zambian Parliament or national Assembly not allow MPs to quote the Bible which is a Christian Holy Book yet standing Order 53(1) demands for *factual and verifiable information* .
Is it that the information in the Bible not factual and verifiable for the National Assembly not to accept the quotes from It?
So where can we verify the facts of this ban on bible quoting in the National Assembly by MPs?
Yet the Constitution guides in Art 1 (1) of the constitution guides thus
*This Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic of Zambia and any other written law, customary law and customary practice that is inconsistent with its provisions is void to the extent of the inconsistency*.
(2) An act or omission that contravenes this Constitution is illegal.
(3) This Constitution shall bind all persons in Zambia, State organs and State institutions.
(4) The validity or legality of this Constitution is not subject to challenge by or before a State organ or other forum.
(5) A matter relating to this Constitution shall be heard by the Constitutional Court.
Parliament is a state organ which is bound by the provisions of the Constitution and the constitution declares Zambia as a Christian Nation not a Godly Nation meaning Christ is our anchor and reigns supreme in our nation.
The Christian Holy Book is the Bible so why does our law making organ allergic to quoting It?
I challenge MPs to challenge this inconsistency with our constitution quickly
I submit
McDonald Chipenzi