A citizen-sponsored bill seeking protection of the rights of sex workers has hit a procedural hurdle after parliamentary leaders ruled that it qualifies as a money bill, meaning it cannot proceed without the prime minister's endorsement.
The Sex Worker Protection Bill, drafted by the Empower Foundation, was classified as a money bill by a joint meeting of House leaders and chairmen of the House's 35 standing committees. The motion passed by 17 votes to six.
The ruling means the bill must be submitted to the prime minister for certification before it can be debated in the House. Civil society groups warned that because the constitution sets no deadline for approval, the legislation could face indefinite delays.
