PNG’s Effort to Enshrine Christianity in Constitution Fails to Gain Required Votes
The Papua New Guinea Government has failed for the second time to pass a bill declaring the country a Christian nation after yesterday's attempt fell short of securing enough support in Parliament. Despite both sides of the House backing the Constitutional Amendment (Declaration of PNG as Christian) Law 2023, the vote did not reach the required two-thirds majority of 79, with only 73 votes in favor and seven against.
The bill was introduced by Justice Minister and Attorney-General Pila Niningi, marking its third reading since the initial vote on May 29. Leader of Government Business Peter Tsiamalili Jr moved a motion without notice to bring the Christian Bill to a vote.
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird objected, pointing out that Thursday was designated for private members' business. He argued that the Government had already used its allotted time and should not encroach on private members' day. Despite this, Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan overruled the objection, allowing the motion to proceed.
Ialibu-Pangia MP Peter O'Neill raised a point of order in support of Bird, but his intervention was dismissed. Following the vote, Iguan declared that the bill had failed to gain the necessary support.
Prime Minister James Marape then moved a motion to rescind the vote.
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