Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia held its 12th sitting of the 7th session today, chaired by the Speaker, H.E. Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe), during which members approved the National Payment System Bill.
The session, which convened with 156 Members of Parliament present, focused on the third reading and voting of the National Payment System Bill, the first reading of the Sexual Offences and Other Acts of Indecency Bill, and the distribution of the third reading report on the amendment of the Anti-Piracy and Anti-Kidnapping Law No. 36 of April 30, 1975.
The National Payment System Bill, prepared by the Ministry of Finance, was passed with 154 votes in favor, according to the Speaker, who announced the results of the voting.
Members also conducted the first reading of the Sexual Offences and Other Acts of Indecency Bill, prepared by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights. The State Minister of the ministry, H.E. Mohamed Osman Nasto, presented the introductory report on the bill.
During the discussions, several MPs raised questions regarding the general principles of the bill, its alignment with Islamic Sharia and the Constitution, its financial implications, and its importance to the country.
Meanwhile, lawmakers received the third reading report on the amendment of the Anti-Piracy and Anti-Kidnapping Law No. 36 of 1975.
In his closing remarks, Speaker Sheikh Adan Madobe emphasized the importance of the Sexual Offences and Other Acts of Indecency Bill, describing it as a crucial legal framework for protecting the rights and dignity of the Somali people.
He directed that the bill be referred to the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, Women, and Humanitarian Affairs for preparation of its second reading and further debate. The Speaker affirmed that the 11th Parliament, in collaboration with Somali religious scholars, remains committed to passing legislation that prevents crimes and abuses against Somali women.
