Gambia Rejects Bill to Overturn Female Genital Mutilation Ban

Gambia's parliament has rejected a bill that sought to overturn the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). The proposed law sparked significant public debate and divided opinions. After public hearings and expert testimonies, a joint report recommended maintaining the ban, and lawmakers voted accordingly, halting the bill's progress.

Gambia's parliament on Monday rejected a bill that would have lifted the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). Parliament Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta announced the decision after lawmakers voted down every clause in the proposed legislation, halting its progress ahead of a third reading.

The bill, introduced by lawmaker Almaneh Gibba, initially ignited widespread public debate. Gibba argued that the measure upheld cultural and religious traditions in the Muslim-majority nation. However, many Islamic scholars challenged his views, and the World Health Organization highlighted the severe health risks associated with FGM, including excessive bleeding, shock, psychological issues, and even death.

The proposal had passed a second reading in March, raising concerns among rights activists. However, after weeks of public hearings, the health and gender affairs committees presented a report recommending the maintenance of the ban. On Monday, lawmakers adopted this report by a vote of 35 to 17, effectively stopping the bill from proceeding further.

The decision was influenced by testimonies from doctors and survivors detailing FGM's harmful consequences. Gambian legal scholar Satang Nabaneh said the rejection underscored Gambia's commitment to international human rights obligations. Anti-FGM activist Fatou Baldeh, herself a survivor, expressed relief but also sorrow that the bill had even been considered.

(With inputs from agencies.)