CAIRO - Three local rights groups Saturday have called on the Government to toughen penalties for discrimination in a new law being drafted by the Cabinet, proposing the creation of an authority to ensure 'the principles of equality and citizenship are fully respected'. "A memorandum with some proposals regarding the anti-discrimination draft bill has been forwarded to Prime Minister Essam Sharaf. The proposals include the establishment of a national anti-discrimination authority as well as tougher penalties for violators," according to a statement by the three groups. The statement by the three groups, the New World for Development and Human Rights, the Human Rights Defenders Network and Monitors without Borders, added that their memo highlights the principles of citizenship and equality. "The proposed authority or committee would be responsible for assuring that all citizens enjoy equal opportunities and for investigating any violations of these rights," the statement, a copy of which has been obtained by The Egyptian Gazette, reads. It adds that all public and private sectors should co-operate with such an authority to help monitor anti-discriminatory moves nationwide. The proposals have set the penalty for heads of firms practising systematic discrimination at six months in prison and a fine of between LE30,000 and LE100,000 (about $5,200 and $17,220), according to the level of harm caused. Priemer Sharaf created the National Justice Committee, which comprises Muslims and Christians, in response to the attacks on a church in Imbaba last month. The committee's main purpose is to respond to sectarian strife by investigating the most recent incidents, suggesting solutions and drafting two specific laws. Along with the forthcoming anti-discrimination law, the 'unified' law on places of worship aims to curb sectarian tension.
