Committees' recent meetings - 16 December 2019

A summary of recent committee meetings and activities:

MPs meet with Kurdistan Islamic Scholars Union

15 December - A joint committee of MPs from the committees on Protection of Women’s Rights; Endowments and Religious Affairs; and Social Affairs and Protection of Human Rights, visited the Kurdistan Islamic Scholars Union and were welcomed by Mulla Abdullah Said Waisi, the head of the union.

They discussed the Islamic Scholars Union statement on women taking taxis on their own. Mulla Abdullah said that they consider their statement as advice, not a Fatwa, that is not binding and is not intended to curb individual freedoms. “The statement was misinterpreted in some of the social media,” he said.

The two sides agreed to work together on religious issues, women's rights, human rights and promoting peaceful coexistence in Kurdistan Region. 

Committees issue final joint report on Bill on Regulation of Commercial Advertising

15 December - MPs from the Legislative Committee; Civil Society, Sports and Youth Committee; and Municipalities, Transport, Communication, Travel and Tourism Committee, met to prepare their final joint report on the Bill on Regulation of Commercial Advertising in Kurdistan Region.

They discussed MPs' notes and suggestions on to include in the final report that will be submitted to Parliament’s Presidency, who will schedule the bill for voting at a future sitting.

The Culture, Civil Society, Sports and Youth Committee, with Parliament’s Research Centre, on 12 November ran a workshop to discuss the bill with media experts and professionals. The bill's second reading was on 10th December, and the third reading and vote to pass it into law will be on 16th December.