Death Toll Revised Down to 24 After Monstrous Oklahoma Tornado…100+ Injured…Children Among the Dead…Stunning Pictures…Woman Finds Dog During Interview!

WATCH on TheBlaze TV: Latest Updates on Tornado Aftermath, Including Updates From Glenn Beck in Oklahoma

World

Islamist-Dominated Egypt Panel Hastily Approves Draft Constitution Without Input From Liberal & Christian Members

Nov. 29, 2012 11:54pm
Islamist Dominated Egypt Panel Approves Draft Constitution Without Input From Liberal & Christian Members

Members of Egypt’s constituent assembly discuss of the last voting session on a new draft constitution at the Shoura Assembly on November 29, 2012 in Cairo. The assembly retained today the principles of Islamic law as the main source of law, as it rushed through the approval process over objections from an opposition that argues more time is needed. It also agreed a clause stating that the principles of Christian and Jewish legal traditions would guide the personal and religious affairs of people belonging to those faiths. The vote comes amid accusations that the Islamist-dominated panel is railroading the charter through and protests over President Mohamed Morsi’s assumption of sweeping powers, which has plunged the country into its worse crisis since Morsi took office in June. (Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

CAIRO (AP) — Islamists approved a draft constitution for Egypt early Friday without the participation of liberal and Christian members, seeking to pre-empt a court ruling that could dissolve their panel with a rushed, marathon vote that further inflames the clash between the opposition and President Mohammed Morsi.

The move advanced a charter with an Islamist bent that rights experts say could give Muslim clerics oversight over legislation and bring restrictions on freedom of speech, women’s rights and other liberties.

The draft must now be put to a nationwide referendum within 30 days. Morsi said Thursday it will be held “soon.”

The Islamist-dominated assembly that has been working on the constitution for months raced to pass it, voting article by article on the draft’s more than 230 articles for more than 16 hours. The lack of inclusion was on display in the nationally televised gathering: Of the 85 members in attendance, there was not a single Christian and only four women, all Islamists. Many of the men wore beards, the hallmark of Muslim conservatives.

For weeks, liberal, secular and Christian members, already a minority on the 100-member panel, have been withdrawing to protest what they call the Islamists’ hijacking of the process.

“This constitution represents the diversity of the Egyptian people. All Egyptians, male and female, will find themselves in this constitution,” Essam el-Erian, a representative of the Muslim Brotherhood, declared to the assembly after the last articles were passed just after sunrise Friday.

“We will implement the work of this constitution to hold in high esteem God’s law, which was only ink on paper before, and to protect freedoms that were not previously respected,” he said.

The sudden rush to finish came as the latest twist in a week-long crisis pitting Brotherhood veteran Morsi and his Islamist supporters against a mostly secular and liberal opposition and the powerful judiciary. Voting had not been expected for another two months. But the assembly abruptly moved it up in order to pass the draft before Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court rules on Sunday on whether to dissolve the panel.

“I am saddened to see this come out while Egypt is so divided,” Egypt’s top reform leader, Nobel Peace laureate Mohamed ElBaradei said, speaking on private Al-Nahar TV. But he predicted the document would not last long. “It will be part of political folklore and will go to the garbage bin of history.”

A new opposition bloc led by ElBaradei and other liberals said the assembly had lost its legitimacy.

“It is trying to impose a constitution monopolized by one trend and is the furthest from national consensus, produced in a farcical way,” the National Salvation Front said in a statement, read by Waheed Abdel-Meguid, one of the assembly members who withdrew.

Thursday’s vote escalates the already bruising confrontation sparked last week when Morsi gave himself near absolute powers by neutralizing the judiciary, the last branch of the state not in his hands. Morsi banned the courts from dissolving the constitutional assembly or the upper house of parliament and from reviewing his own decisions.

Speaking in an interview on state TV aired late Thursday, Morsi defended his edicts, saying they were a necessary “delicate surgery” needed to get Egypt through a transitional period and end instability he blamed on the lack of a constitution.

“The most important thing of this period is that we finish the constitution, so that we have a parliament under the constitution, elected properly, an independent judiciary, and a president who executes the law,” Morsi said.

In a sign of the divisions, protesters camped out in Cairo’s Tahrir Square who were watching the interview chanted against Morsi and raised their shoes in the air in contempt.

The president’s edicts sparked a powerful backlash in one of the worst bouts of turmoil since last year’s ouster of autocrat Hosni Mubarak. At least 200,000 people protested in Cairo’s Tahrir square earlier this week demanding he rescind the edicts.

Street clashes have already erupted between the two camps the past week, leaving at least two people dead and hundreds wounded. And more violence is possible.

The opposition plans another large protest for Friday, and the Brotherhood has called a similar massive rally for the following day, though they decided to move it from Tahrir to avoid frictions. Bands of youths have been daily battling police on a road leading off the square and close to the U.S. Embassy.

The Constitutional Court’s announcement that it would rule on the legitimacy of the assembly was a direct defiance of Morsi’s edicts. It will also rule Sunday on whether to dissolve the upper house of parliament, which is overwhelmingly held by Islamists. Most of the nation’s judges are on indefinite strike to protest the edicts.

It is not clear what would happen to the approved draft if the court dissolves the assembly. The crisis could move out of the realm of legal questions and even more into the more volatile street, to be decided by which side can bring the most support.

The opposition is considering whether to call for a boycott of any referendum on the constitution or to try to rally a “no” vote, said Hamdeen Sabahi, a National Salvation Front leader who ran in this year’s presidential race and came in a surprisingly strong third.

“The people should not be made to choose between a dictatorial declaration or a constitution that doesn’t represent all the people,” he told independent ONTV, referring to Morsi’s decrees. “He is pushing Egypt to more division and confrontation.”

During Thursday’s session, assembly head Hossam al-Ghiryani doggedly pushed the members to finish. When one article received 16 objections, he pointed out that would require postponing the vote 48 hours under the body’s rules. “Now I’m taking the vote again,” he said, and all but four members dropped their objections. In the session’s final hours, several new articles were hastily written up and added to resolve lingering issues.

“We will teach this constitution to our sons,” al-Ghiryani told the gathering.

Islamist members of the panel defended the fast tracking. Hussein Ibrahim of the Brotherhood said the draft reflected six months of debate, including input from liberals before they withdrew.

“People want the constitution because they want stability. Go to villages, to poorer areas, people want stability,” he said.

Over the past week, about 30 members have pulled out of the assembly, with mainly Islamists brought in to replace some. As a result, every article passed overwhelmingly.

The draft largely reflects the conservative vision of the Islamists, with articles that rights activists, liberals and others fear will lead to restrictions on the rights of women and minorities and on civil liberties in general.

One article that passed underlined that the state will protect “the true nature of the Egyptian family … and promote its morals and values,” phrasing that suggests the state could prevent anything deemed to undermine the family.

The draft says citizens are equal under the law but an article specifically establishing women’s equality was dropped because of disputes over the phrasing.

As in past constitutions, the new draft said the “principles of Islamic law” will be the basis of law.

Previously, the term “principles” allowed wide leeway in interpreting Shariah. But in the draft, a separate new article is added that seeks to define “principles” by pointing to particular theological doctrines and their rules. That could give Islamists the tool for insisting on stricter implementation of rulings of Shariah.

Another new article states that Egypt’s most respected Islamic institution, Al-Azhar, must be consulted on any matters related to Shariah, a measure critics fear will lead to oversight of legislation by clerics.

The draft also includes bans on “insulting or defaming all prophets and messengers” or even “insulting humans” – broad language that analysts warned could be used to crack down on many forms of speech.

It also preserves much of military’s immunity from parliamentary scrutiny, putting its budget in the hands of the National Defense Council, which includes the president, the heads of the two houses of parliament and top generals.

The committee has been plagued by controversy from the start. It was created by the first parliament elected after Mubarak’s ouster. But a first permutation of the assembly, also Islamist-dominated, was disbanded by the courts. A new one was created just before the lower house of parliament, also Brotherhood-led, was dissolved by the judiciary in June.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (40)

  • Gold Coin & Economic News
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 9:03am

    Wait, I thought Santa had a white beard?

    Report this comment

    Gold Coin & Economic News  
  • The_Jerk
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 7:55am

    “slamist-Dominated Egypt Panel Hastily Approves Draft Constitution Without Input From Liberal & Christian Members”

    This is no different than what goes on in this country. The Obama administration takes no input. Fix the problems here before you worry about over there.

    Report this comment

    The_Jerk  
  • sparkyrules
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 7:25am

    I hate dumbasses on Free soil.The United Nations?The Blaze knows my anger,by now.It’s easy enough to obliterate if EVERYBODY STANDS UP.
    That stupid building would be vacant in a flash

    Report this comment

    sparkyrules  
  • sparkyrules
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 7:11am

    Your gonna miss my lovin’…..GOD

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCW1i5HQ0o0

    Report this comment

    sparkyrules  
  • blanco5
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 6:52am

    Man, when did santa turn so evil?

    Report this comment

    blanco5  
  • Master.Debater
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 6:38am

    At least the Muslim Brotherhood is celebrating Christmas. Too bad our legislators don’t grow big bushy beards and wear Santa hats on the floor.

    Report this comment

    Master.Debater  
  • ArmedAndReallyPissed
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 6:17am

    I don’t understand said the Carpenter. I cut that 2 x 4 three times and it’s STILL too short ! DUH.

    Report this comment

    ArmedAndReallyPissed  
  • Master.Debater
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 6:07am

    They learned how to do it from Obama’s example.

    Report this comment

    Master.Debater  
    • johnpaulkuchtajr
      Posted on November 30, 2012 at 6:45am

      Probably would be well to cite some examples of Obama’s lessons to emerging democracies about how the “system” works:

      1. Pass legislation so that everyone can then read it to find out what’s in it. How long would Pelosi last in an Islamic regime?

      2. Don’t pass a budget in three years. “We don’t need no stinkin’ budget!”

      3. As long as the USA is sending you plenty of money, spend way more than you take in, just like your liberal Comrades of both parties in the States.

      4. Give regulatory agencies within your administration power to pass an ever-growing list of regulations that work to stifle free enterprise such as the EPA and US DoE.

      5. Leave your oil and gas in the ground and develop vast acres of solar farms in the desert that will be vulnerable to degradation from desert storms. Allow the price of energy to “necessarily skyrocket.”

      6. Dismantle your military bit-by-bit by supporting the lay-abouts in your population while you cut the military’s budget. Oops! This is the one that mat get those Egyptian military types to attend the mass demonstrations in Tarir Square. When the Egyptian military goes to a demonstration, they bring a gun!

      7. Forget about the proud Egyptian heritage that included a written language, building monuments that have survived the test of time and conquering foreign lands. Dwell on any negative that that can be conjured-up by the leftist mind, especially since “you didn’t build” those pyramids!

      Ye

      Report this comment

      johnpaulkuchtajr  
  • JACKTHETOAD
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 4:39am

    Easy one. Straight from the qur’an. And ba’al.

    Report this comment

    JACKTHETOAD  
  • getourcountryback
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 2:51am

    Can’t they just be nuked for morbid and be done with them already?

    Report this comment

    getourcountryback  
  • AbrahamsSheepdog
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 1:43am

    Bengazied. The world is getting bengazied. Now you know how a Christian feels. To know the truth as the rest commit suicide. What’s a good man ta do?

    Report this comment

    AbrahamsSheepdog  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 1:05am

    Congratulations Obama the traitor, your terrorist allies are now closer to an Egyptian Theocracy and the Caliphate.

    Report this comment

    Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Questionman
      Posted on November 30, 2012 at 7:18pm

      It’s official! ALL the commentators are the biggest racists in American History!

      I’m sick of you racists insulting the President and calling yourself Americans?!?! Please! You are NO American! You are NO Patriot! You are nothing more than a angry, bitter, a bad loser,

      Barack Obama is NO traitor to America because of the events in Benghazi! it was a horrendous mistake…..President Johnson did something similar

      Barack Obama is NO terrorist, Barack Obama is NO Marxist, Barack Obama is NOT “illegal” He is “legal”….Congress said so and they are the arbitrar. Barack Obama is NO evil man, Barack Obama is NO communist, Barack Obama is NO dictator, Does Barack Obama hate America? NO. Does Barack Obama want to Go Over the Fiscal Cliff? NO….. Obama is NO Anti-American AND Barack Obama is NO Muslim And your racist fear-mongering, hate-mongering BS is the reason why you lost the election!
      It’s obvious you believe blacks only belong on the streets, not in the oval office!

      Report this comment

      Questionman  
  • bjornskis
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:52am

    Obamas buddys

    Report this comment

    bjornskis  
    • savagenatn
      Posted on November 30, 2012 at 5:51am

      throwbacks in dirty nightshirts…religion of peace my a$$. these bastards need to lay in a pool of their beloved IED’s

      Report this comment

      savagenatn  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:47am

    “This constitution represents the diversity of the Egyptian people. All Egyptians, male and female, will find themselves in this constitution,” Essam el-Erian, a representative of the Muslim Brotherhood, declared to the assembly after the last articles were passed just after sunrise Friday.”
    ==============================================
    Taqiyya is a way of life under Islam, or there is a lying gene that middle-eastern people have that islam seems to activate. Zero has this disorder, too.

    Report this comment

    Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:31am

    Not much different than what’s happening in the USA Congress, is it? Obummer wants the power to raise the National Debt limit at his sole discretion. (That’s because he “knows” what’s best for the rest of us.)

    Also, he demands that “what he considers to be rich” gets taxed more because he “won” by a gigantic 2%.

    Republicans, please tell Obummer to sit on a tack, and spin on it.

    Report this comment

    Diane TX  
  • Isis79
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:28am

    Sounds like Obamacare.

    Report this comment

    Isis79  
  • GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:22am

    It seems the guy in the photo is already celebrating Christmas with his Santa’s hat….

    Report this comment

    GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas  
  • Cavallo
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:22am

    Let me put on my shocked face… whaaaaa!!!!????

    Report this comment

    Cavallo  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:17am

    A Senator said it today. Coburn I think it was. He nailed it and it could not be more obvious. Obama and the Muslim Brotherhood are one and the same. Show me any evidence to the contrary. It does not exist.

    Report this comment

    Ghandi was a Republican  
    • DIgnified
      Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:53am

      So now demands of proof are required? Good. Let’s start with the magic man who fathered himself to kill himself to save us from another of his creations, because he’s perfect(?).

      Report this comment

      DIgnified  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on November 30, 2012 at 1:28am

      @ DIgnified

      You must be a Muslim, right? Christians don’t believe that Jesus Christ “fathered” his self. That’s what you believe. Try to be more tolerant of others’ religious beliefs, instead of demanding that everyone agrees with your religious beliefs.

      Report this comment

      Diane TX  
    • DMENTED
      Posted on November 30, 2012 at 4:03am

      It’s not a mooslim, Diane. As much as I hate to make the concession, mooslims are Human Beings.

      Report this comment

      DMENTED  
  • MDECKER
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:08am

    OMA! Really?

    Report this comment

    MDECKER  
  • DIgnified
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:08am

    I’m more concerned with religious lunatics here that seek to force their will on others, while complaining that resistance to forced Christianity is an attack on their faith.

    Report this comment

    DIgnified  
    • Ghandi was a Republican
      Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:16am

      You need help./..

      Report this comment

      Ghandi was a Republican  
    • Ghandi was a Republican
      Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:20am

      And my guess is you are a muslim. Retarrd is running through your veins.

      Report this comment

      Ghandi was a Republican  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:37am

      @ DIgnified

      You’re right. The Christians in the USA should be more like the Muslims in the Middle East. Maybe I can start a movement to burn down all the mosques, and torture and kill all the Muslims. What do you think? Deal?

      Report this comment

      Diane TX  
    • DIgnified
      Posted on November 30, 2012 at 1:03am

      @Diane
      Like the Joplin mosque this year? Or the dumb a s s Christian who killed a bunch if Sikhs thinking they were Muslim this year? Or the having pig parts thrown on people leaving their place of worship in Ontario, CA. You’re the typical r e t a r d e d Texas broad who think having a lot of opinions is knowing a lot. Try again Peggy Hill. The whole ‘if I’m a christian and I personally have never done any of these things, then every accusation is false because I haven’t and I’m a Christian. And they’re christian. So you’re automatically lying.’ Its no wonder the church is so corrupt. Free passes for anything that says ‘god.’

      Report this comment

      DIgnified  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on November 30, 2012 at 1:18am

      @ DIgnified

      You can cite all the (American) anti-muslim acts you want, but the truth is that there isn’t any freedom of religion in any Middle Eastern or Muslim country, save one. That Country is Israel. Yes, Israel, the Country that is constantly under attack from the intolerant Muslims.

      Call me all the names you want to. It’s what I expect from a bigot like you.

      Report this comment

      Diane TX  
    • mike_trivisonno
      Posted on November 30, 2012 at 7:15am

      DIGNIFIED is a cow. No matter what you ask it, the answer is always “moo”.

      Do not feed the troll.

      Report this comment

      mike_trivisonno  
  • sizzlinsexybeckster
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:02am

    This is coming very quickly. Why do Muslims hate women so much? Were their Mommy’s bad to them? Did they not get enough milk?

    I wonder when Obama is going to pass this in our country? Or maybe he already did somewhere in the billion pages of the Healthcare bill?

    I am seeing a lot of typos today in your articles…. stop rushing, take your time and proof your work.

    Report this comment

    sizzlinsexybeckster  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on November 30, 2012 at 12:01am

    Obama is still patting himself on the back for that one.

    Report this comment

    Smokey_Bojangles  

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love