NGOs Push for Equal Opportunities Bill to Combat Discrimination

The subject of the Equal Opportunities Bill is back at the forefront today as the Belize Network of NGOs hosted a press conference this morning to explore the Bill with plans for a subsequent push.  The Bill is one that is looked at as a push towards human rights and anti-discrimination.  Dr Elma Kay, the Chair of the BNN, explained that this morning’s event is a launch of a campaign, titled, ‘Wi Ready’ that will look at the laws that allow for good governance and protection of the citizenry.

NGO Senator Janelle Chanona says that the current draft of the Bill is a revised version of the draft that failed to pass back in 2020. She indicated that the campaign launch serves as a call for all Belizeans to unite against stigma and discrimination in all its forms.

The initial draft of the Equal Opportunities Bill was developed under the United Democratic Party. That incarnation of the Bill saw fierce opposition from religious groups, particularly the evangelical churches for what they felt was an attack on traditional family values. The first draft was withdrawn not long before the change of administration.