Mr Speaker, South Africa witnessed an epoch- defining moment this week. Black Tuesday will one day be seen as a turning point in our democracy. [Interjections.] Our Constitution was built on the principles of brave men and women such as Steve Biko, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Helen Suzman, and former President Nelson Mandela, who fought against injustice. [Interjections.]
Order! Order!
But there are still many brave men and women in our country and, indeed, in this House today: members such as the hon Dene Smuts and David Maynier, who fought valiantly on the ad hoc committee on the Protection of Information Bill; members such as the hon Oriani- Ambrosini from the IFP and the hon Swart from the ACDP, who, together with the rest of the opposition, refused to give up in our fight to protect the Constitution. And there are also members like the hon Gloria Borman and the hon Ben Turok from the ANC ... [Applause.] ... who did not vote in favour of this Bill, choosing freedom and the Constitution above secrecy and censorship.
The contribution of the hon Turok to the Freedom Charter will never be forgotten; neither will his actions on 22 November 2011. [Interjections.] But those of us who refuse to be bullied into rolling back the freedoms so many fought for, can continue the fight.
Order, hon members!
Section 80 of the Constitution enables one third of this House to refer the Act, if passed, to the Constitutional Court, and we have enough members across the floor to do this. Let those of us who are brave enough to stand up for the Constitution do so together. I thank you. [Applause.]