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{
    "id": 109940,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/109940/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 274,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "in concerning itself with the body parts of Members of this House. More importantly, women and men are required to be treated equally as news subjects and news sources. It does not feel right for me to leave this matter at this finding. Considering the totality of the circumstances, I think that this was a piece of bad judgment on the part of the newspaper. I say this because I believe I express the earnest hopes of this House and indeed of the whole country that this was an aberration, a lapse rather than any properly defined and agreed to editorial policy of the Standard Group. I want this House to enjoy the benefit of that doubt. This is a country where women complain of definite and systematic discrimination or chauvinism of deep seated negative attitude of subtle and not so subtle sexism. This publication does not help to dispel this concern. It tends to confirm that women are not free from being hassled even if they are Members of Parliament. Thirdly, it also appears to convey the message that this assault will follow women wherever they go even to the Floor of this House. Coming from an organ as powerful as the media, it sends a wrong message. Far from being funny, I think and I hold that the publication complained of undermines the dignity of the National Assembly and was demeaning and embarrassing to a section of its membership. Hon. Members, before pronouncing myself on the appropriate recourse, I wish to note that I have become aware that on page 6 of The Standard edition of yesterday, Monday 29th March, 2010, in the same Crazy Monday pullout, the following words appear under the heading Clarification: “ In view of the sensitivity that has arisen following the publication of a picture on a light touch in last week’s issue of CrazyMonday, the editor wishes to assure those concerned that it was in no way meant to disparage the character of hon. Members of Parliament. The editor, therefore, regrets any embarrassments that may have been caused.” I think that is the correct decision by TheStandard. Although I was going to, and, indeed, hereby reprimand the newspaper for this publication, I am in the same breath prepared to accept that this constitutes a satisfactory apology and mitigation without prejudice to bring this matter to a close. Let me conclude by calling on all media houses to stay focused and maintain the amicable partnership that has existed with this House, particularly at this time when the attention of the whole country is fixed on the all important constitutional review process."
}