Gambia's Parliament Upholds Ban on Female Genital Mutilation

Gambia's parliament has rejected a bill that sought to overturn the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). Despite passing a second reading, all clauses were voted down by lawmakers, halting the legislative process. The World Health Organization underscores the severe health risks associated with FGM.

Gambia's parliament on Monday decisively rejected a controversial bill that aimed to end the country's ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta announced the decision after lawmakers voted down every clause in the proposed legislation.

The bill had previously passed a second reading in March, with only five lawmakers out of 53 opposing it, sparking concerns among rights groups about the potential rollback of women's rights in Gambia. Lawmakers reconvened on Monday to vote on each clause of the bill ahead of a third reading scheduled for July 24.

A majority voted against each clause, prompting Speaker Jatta to halt the legislative process. "The (National) Assembly cannot be engaged in such a futile exercise as to allow the bill to proceed to a third reading," Jatta declared. The World Health Organization has strongly stated that FGM has no health benefits and can cause severe physical and psychological harm, including excessive bleeding, shock, and even death.

(With inputs from agencies.)