MPS yesterday disagreed over a motion urging the Nigerian Government to allow Amina Lawal, who was recently sentenced to death by stoning, to appeal to civil courts.

The motion, moved by Betty Amongi (Apac Woman), called for staying of the sentence until Lawal exhausted all other avenues.

After a heated debate, Deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga asked the mover to re-draft the motion in consultation with the Attorney General.

Some Muslim MPs, including planning state minister Isaac Musumba, argued that Parliament could run the country into a diplomatic problem.

Those who supported the motion said they were urging authorities in Nigeria to adhere to the principles of international law.

An Islamic court recently upheld the sentence of death by stoning imposed on Lawal for having a child out of wedlock.

Amongi said Nigeria was a signatory to the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Violence Against Women, the UN declaration on the Human Rights Charter, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

Mike Kennedy Sebalu (Busiro East) said there should be justice for all. "It takes two to make a baby," he said.