Constitutional reform is a trap for the unwary. Voters aren't turned on by legal intricacies. Referendums give them a chance to kick. In the Bahamas and Grenada, governments are pushing for change; neither is getting an easy ride. Guyana may soon need to talk reform. St Vincent meanwhile provides a cautionary tale.In the Bahamas, it's not just sex.
Perry Christie's government wants to dump outmoded constitutional clauses which discriminate against women. A constitutional referendum is scheduled for November 6. Last week, Parliament debated supporting legislation.The proposed reforms would bar legal or official discrimination on grounds of sex.
More specifically, they would give citizenship to foreign husbands of Bahamian women; at present, only foreign wives of Bahamian men get passports. Children born outside of marriage to a Bahamian father would be citizens, once there is proof of paternity. So would children born outside the Bahamas to Bahamian mothers.
These modest changes follow a constitutional review in July last year. Other proposals, such as an independent Director of Public Prosecutions and Elections Commission, have been shelved. Ditching the Queen and Privy Council? Forget it.
Ending sex discrimination touches raw nerves. And for once, sensitivities cut through party lines.
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