March 16, 2018
The Council of Guardians, which must review all laws passed by the Majlis for compliance with the Constitution and Sharia law, has vetoed a new bill drafted to protect the rights of people living with disabilities. The council objected chiefly to an article in the bill that allowed the disabled to form a national committee to monitor how the law is carried out. The Council of Guardians says the Constitution gives such powers only to the government. It cited Article 60 of the Constitution, which states: “The functions of the Executive, except in matters directly placed under the direction of the Supreme Leader by the Constitution, are to be exercised by the president and the ministers.” Some are asking where that leaves the people.