(Amman) Jordanian lawmakers came to blows Tuesday, requiring a sitting of parliament to be interrupted, during a debate on gender equality as part of constitutional reform, according to television official.
The government wishes to amend the Constitution, and in particular to include the mention “Jordanian women” in Chapter II entitled “Rights and duties of Jordanians” which relates in particular to the equal rights of citizens.
Several deputies opposed this modification, deeming it “unnecessary”, according to the al-Mamlaka channel which broadcast the session.
“It is ‘eib’ for us to add the word Jordanian,” said one of them, Raed Smeirat, in particular, using an Arabic term with very negative connotations which could be likened in this context to “shame” or “dishonor”.
These remarks angered the head of Parliament Abdelkarim al-Daghmi who demanded an apology from Mr. Smeirat.
Another deputy, Suleiman Abou Yahya, for his part asked Mr. Daghmi to adjourn the session, but he refused, attracting a “You don’t understand anything!” From Mr. Abou Yahya.
The head of parliament then asked him to leave the room after which a fight broke out between several deputies, according to images broadcast live, as Mr. Daghmi left the assembly.
The session was finally postponed to Wednesday.
Other constitutional amendments that must be debated include the creation of a “National Security Council”, the reduction of the mandate of the head of parliament from two years to one year.
The Constitution, promulgated in 1952 by the grandfather of King Abdullah II, has already been amended 29 times, past amendments according to experts having given more powers to the king to the detriment of the legislature.