Nigerian Senate Rejects Bill Proposing Skirts For Female Corpers

The Senate has struck out a bill seeking to amend the National Youth Service Corps Act to allow the uniforms worn by corps members to accommodate their religious beliefs.
If it had been passed, female corps members would have been allowed to wear skirts and hijab.
Sponsor of the bill, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (Taraba-South), while leading the debate for the second reading at the plenary on Wednesday, said the proposed amendment sought to amend Sections 13 and 16 of the principal act.
He said the amendment was to “increase the penalty for the offences contained in the Act to make such fines reflect the present value of the naira.”
He also said the amendment was intended to “ensure that regulations made by the NYSC directorate prescribing uniforms and exercise regimen do not violate the religious practices and beliefs of corps members.”
The senator, who pointed out that he is a Christian, said he chose to sponsor the bill to cater to those who were being denied of participating in the scheme as the uniforms and drills did not consider their religious beliefs and practices.
“As I speak, there are several corpers who refused to continue with the NYSC because they believe that wearing of trousers as female members in public offends their faith,” he said.
Bwacha argued that the issue was not controversial, saying a policy statement by the NYSC could have addressed it.
He said, “It has nothing to do with Islam or Christianity. In fact, both Christians and Muslims should be in agreement on this particular matter. A woman who feels offended by wearing trousers in public could be allowed to wear skirts on top, even during drills so that they do not inconvenience her. Those who can wear trousers can do so, but it shouldn’t be forced on anybody.”
Bwacha said he would explore alternative means of achieving his aim, including moving a motion on the matter.