Shut doors on DNA testing, political activist urges govt

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KUWAIT CITY, Oct 13: Political activist Marzouq Al-Khalifa has asked the government to close the door to the DNA Database Program due to legislation deviance despite approval of 52 Parliament members and only one vote against.

Speaking at a seminar entitled, “DNA Database and Legislation Deviance”, Al-Khalifa pointed out “this law was passed on the sideline of the parliamentary session and the Parliament took advantage of the Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque incident.” He affirmed, “We do not stand with those who acquired citizenship fraudulently, but the government must provide documents to the judiciary to hold those people accountable, instead of requiring DNA testing to prove their lineage. This is unacceptable.”

He said the United States Supreme Court rejected this law and the Washington Post even affirmed its negative impact on the Kuwaiti society.

He added the government has been planning to adopt this law since 2007 but the Parliament members at the time, including former MP Muhammad Al-Khalifa, rejected it.

He went on to say a local newspaper published a report that the citizenship of about 200,000 individuals will be withdrawn due to the passage of this law, which is considered a means to threaten people and push for segregation that does not build nations.

On the other hand, Constitutional Law expert Dr Muhammad Al-Faili attributed the growing concern for this law to the lack of control and fear of misusing it for unspecified objectives while it limits personal freedom.

He explained the law violates constitutional rights; citing restriction of personal rights to decide whether to undergo DNA testing or not, violation of one’s privacy as well as exposing people to blackmail and the family to division. He confirmed the lawyers are dealing with a petition against the law in the Constitutional Court.

Moreover, Muslim cleric Othman Al-Khamis argued that DNA testing is used for verification, not for renunciation. He said lineage is determined by marriage and it is not permissible to ask someone to undergo DNA testing just to deny his lineage.

By Mishal Al-Sanousi Al-Seyassah Staff and Agencies

This news has been read 8645 times!

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