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OBA fully behind Scott’s bill

All Government MPs are in support of proposed amendments to the Human Rights Act tabled by the Community Development Minister Wayne Scott, according to the governing One Bermuda Alliance.Party whip Cole Simons told The Royal Gazette that because the measures have full support, “there is no need to apply a three line whip or label the vote as a conscience vote”.The amendment bill was discussed by the OBA’s parliamentary caucus on Tuesday night.“There is full support for this legislation from our complete team. In light of this, there is no need to apply a three line whip, or label the vote as a conscience vote,” Mr Simons said.“The One Bermuda Alliance sees this as one of many national issues, that as a Government, and party, we said that we will remedy, and address. In addition, it should be noted that our position on this matter has been, and is, very clear, in that this amendment forms an integral part of our election campaign, and our election manifesto.“As stated earlier by the Minister, this legislation will be treated like any other Government measure, and as such, we expect our parliamentary team’s full support. There is no need for the whip.”Government proposes to amend the Human Rights Act to prohibit age discrimination in the areas of provision of goods, services and facilities, and housing, to extend the definition of harassment to apply beyond the workplace, enact a number of housekeeping measures, and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.The Progressive Labour Party has decided that their MPs will vote their consciences on the amendments.