Members of parliament (MPs) from both sides of the political divide today were united in backing the inclusion of the word 'gender' to Article 8 (2) of the Federal Constitution to prohibit discrimination based on descent, place of birth and sex.

All 172 MPs present voted in favour of amendments to nine articles or 13 provisions presented by de facto Law Minister Dr Rais Yatim. No one opposed and there was no spoilt vote.

However, a number of opposition MPs complained that they were not allowed to make changes to the proposed amendments.