It also stipulates that a person shall not be discriminated against on the grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability. New and Amended Legislation: The government of Uganda has amended a number of laws with the goal of countering discrimination. In July 2010, the Constitutional Court- Law & Advocacy for Women in Uganda Vs Attorney General constitutional petition 8/2007 declared the practice of female genital mutilation unconstitutional and against human rights. The Marriage and Divorce Bill was carried forward to the 9th parliament elected in May 2011. One of the key elements being addressed by this bill is the issue of women’s rights during marriage and particularly the right to own property both within and after a marriage has been dissolved. This bill was further subjected to country wide consultation and reports are yet to be submitted back to Parliament. Nevertheless the Bill is still alive and on the Order Paper of Parliament. Measures in the International arena: In the International arena, in July 2010 the Government of Uganda ratified African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa {Maputo Protocol} with reservations of clauses 14 and 21 on abortion. Steps are already being under taken to domesticate many of its provisions. ARTICLE 3: The Right to Equality before the law Legislative measures: Article 21 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides that all persons are equal before and under the law in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life and in every other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the law. Other measures: In July 2010 the government officially launched the Equal Opportunities Commission whose mandate is to among other things; fight all discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, ethnic origin, tribe, creed, religion, social or economic standing or disability. The Commission is also charged with ensuring equitable representation in key public offices. Representation in Key Public Offices (As of June 2011): The Ninth Parliament elected and sworn in May 2011 is composed of 386 Members: 238 Directly elected by constituencies (61.7%) 112 District Women Representatives (29%) 10 Uganda Peoples Defense Force Representatives (2.6%) 5 Workers Representatives (1.3%) 5 Youth Representatives (1.3%) 5 Persons with Disabilities Representative (1.3%) 11 Ex – Official Members of Parliament (2.8%) Female Representation in Parliament = 143 women - 34.8%: 112 District women Representatives (29%) 11 Directly elected by constituency (2.8%) 15