23 Jordanian deputies want minister out over song and dance

23 Jordanian deputies signed a petition requested a vote of no confidence against Minister of State for Information Affairs Dr. Samir Mutawi.

They said that the minister had agreed that Jordan Television would broadcast the Third Festival of Arabic Songs which was held in Amman last week. "Those shows included scenes that were out of customs and national morals," the deputies said.

"Those depravities were directly broadcast regardless of our houses dignity, senses and honors," they said, "and that we do confirm our no confidence against minister of state for information affairs."

"It has a limited constitutional machinery which should be followed in a vote of no confidence against a minister," Speaker Said Hayil Serour said.

The constitution orders that a cession for a vote of no confidence to be held as per a demand submitted by the prime minister or a demand signed by at least ten deputies. If the majority would vote no confidence than the minister would have to leave his post.

Several ministers praised the festival.