The Constiuent Assembly began voting on the new constitution on Thursday afternoon, with 85 members present. The assembly will vote on each of the 234 articles one by one, and a majority of 67 members must approve of an article in order for it to pass. The assembly approved Article 2, which was the subject of much debate over past months, which states that the principles of Sharia are the source of legislation. Article 3, which stipulates that Christians and Jews may resort to their own religions on issues of personal status, was also approved. Article 36, which stipulates that detainees cannot be tortured or humiliated and must be held in a location that is morally and ethically appropriate was approved by all members. The word "torture" was a new addition to the article. A new article, number 31, stipulating that dignity is a right for all that is protected by the state, which prohibits insults and disdain, was unanimously accepted. Article 32, which states that Egyptian nationality is a right and is regulated by law; the controversial Article 33 stating that citizens are equal before the law, in public rights and duties, without discrimination; and Article 34 stating that personal freedom is a natural right were also agreed upon by all members. One member objected to Article 26, which states that social justice is the basis of taxation, and that taxation cannot be amended or canceled and exemptions cannot be allocated without a law. There was also consensus on articles involving agriculture and natural resources, including Article 15, which stipulates that the state will preserve the diversity of crops, food sovereignty, and protect farmers from exploitation; Article 18, which states that natural resources are owned by the people; and Article 19 stating that the Nile river is a national resource that the state should preserve. Article 16 stipulating that villages and Bedouin areas will be developed and farmers' livelihoods will be improved also met with unanimous approval. Article 14, which states that the national economy aims for development and better living conditions, the eradication of poverty, improving work opportunities, GDP and social justice, and distribution of wealth, was approved by 83 members and rejected by two. There was consensus on a series of articles on state and citizenship duties, including Article 7 which states that preserving national unity and defending the homeland is an honor and a sacred duty, and that conscription shall be regulated by law, social and ethical principles; Article 8 stipulating that the state guarantees means of achieving justice, equality and freedom; and Article 9 saying that the state is committed to providing security, tranquility and equal opportunities for all citizens, without discrimination. When the draft constitution is approved, which is expected, it will be submitted to President Mohamed Morsy on Saturday, who will announce the date of a public referendum on the document. The constitution drafting process has been marred by controversy and many non-Islamist members have pulled out in protest.
