Bahrain MPs in new push to ban alcohol
Manama, May 28, 2014
Bahraini MPs are again trying to ban alcohol shortly before the end of their four-year term in parliament.
They have unanimously approved an urgent proposal that calls on the government to come up with a timeline for gradually phasing out alcohol, until it is no longer available in the country, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
Parliament tried to ban alcohol at the end of its four-year term in 2010, but the move was vetoed by the Shura Council.
The vote to phase out alcohol, which was taken yesterday, will now be referred to the Cabinet.
It was presented to parliament by chairman Dr Khalifa Al Dhahrani, prompting allegations that not enough was being done to tackle sleaze and prostitution.
"Bahrain is violating Islam with the sale of alcohol and by allowing sleaze in the open," said MP Khalid Al Maloud.
MP Ali Al Zayed welcomed measures already taken to tackle sleaze, but said alcohol should be outlawed.
"It is good that one-and two-star hotels have been stopped from bringing musical troupes and serving alcohol," said MP Ali Al Zayed.
"Alcohol and prostitution shouldn't be allowed in an Islamic country."
MPs also criticised a response to parliament from the Cabinet on a proposal by MPs to close nightclubs and bars in Juffair.
The Cabinet stated that venues were closely monitored by the Culture Ministry after obtaining approval from relevant ministries and government bodies.
Juffair MP Hassan Bukhammas agreed that tough action had been taken against those breaking rules in Juffair, but called for more to be done.
"Al Fateh District, in Juffair, has at least 1,000 homes and they are suffering," he said.
"Drunken men and women, in addition to prostitutes, walk in the early hours of the morning unaware of their actions and not caring if they offend others.
"This has stopped many families from coming to Juffair because the situation is intolerable.
"We want to thank the Culture Ministry for taking action against several tourist outlets, but others from the government have to act to stop what's happening on the street."
MP Abdulhakeem Al Shemmri claimed that instead of tackling sleaze, some police officers were profiting from it.
"Individuals beat women to have sex and practice sleaze," he said.
"Women come as secretaries and are then tortured to get into the profession by force.
"I am confident that there are policemen involved in this racketeering process, which sees huge acts of human trafficking, because Bangladeshi pimps are unable to do this themselves.
"There are also homosexuals walking freely in Adliya under the gaze of everyone, without being touched." - TradeArabia News Service
