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| Senate Meeting |
The Senate has defended a proposed bill aimed at regulating religious preaching in public buses and other public spaces, insisting that the legislation is intended to promote public order rather than suppress freedom of worship.
The proposal has generated widespread debate since it was introduced, with many Nigerians expressing concerns that the bill could infringe on constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression. However, lawmakers behind the measure have argued that the objective is to address complaints about noise, harassment and disturbances often associated with unsolicited preaching in public transport and crowded places.
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According to the Senate, the bill does not seek to ban religious activities or prevent individuals from practising their faith. Instead, it is designed to establish guidelines that would ensure religious messages are delivered in a manner that respects the rights and comfort of other members of the public.
Supporters of the legislation maintain that passengers in commercial vehicles should not be compelled to listen to sermons or religious messages against their will. They argue that regulations would help reduce conflicts, maintain peace and create a more orderly public environment.
The proposal has nevertheless attracted criticism from religious groups, legal practitioners and members of the public, many of whom believe existing laws are sufficient to deal with public nuisance without introducing legislation specifically targeting bus preaching. Critics have also warned that the bill could be open to abuse if not clearly defined.
In response to the growing public reaction, the Senate reiterated that the bill remains at the legislative stage and will undergo further scrutiny before any final decision is taken. Lawmakers noted that public hearings and consultations would provide stakeholders, including religious organisations, civil society groups and ordinary citizens, with an opportunity to express their views.
The upper chamber urged Nigerians not to misinterpret the intent of the proposal, stressing that no law would be enacted without following the constitutional legislative process. It added that the National Assembly remains committed to balancing individual freedoms with the need to maintain public order and protect the rights of all citizens.
The debate surrounding the bill continues to generate mixed reactions across the country, reflecting the broader challenge of balancing religious freedom with the regulation of activities in shared public spaces.