In a decisive move on Monday, Gambia’s parliament voted against a bill seeking to lift the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). The bill had previously passed a second reading in March, with only five out of 53 lawmakers opposing it. This raised alarms among rights groups, who feared Gambia might become the first country to reverse its ban on the practice.
The voting on each clause of the bill, ahead of a third and final reading scheduled for July 24, resulted in a majority of lawmakers opposing all clauses. This prompted Parliament Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta to halt the legislative process. ‘The Assembly cannot be engaged in such a futile exercise as to allow the bill to proceed to a third reading. The bill is rejected, and the legislative process exhausted,’ Jatta declared after the votes.
FGM, a practice condemned globally, is known to have no health benefits and can lead to severe health risks, including excessive bleeding, shock, psychological issues, and even death. The World Health Organisation has long campaigned against FGM due to its detrimental effects on women and girls.
The decision by Gambia’s parliament to reject the bill underscores the country’s continued commitment to protecting women’s rights and health. This outcome has been met with relief from various human rights organisations, who had expressed significant concern over the potential reversal of the FGM ban.
By maintaining the ban on FGM, Gambia upholds its stance against a practice that has drawn international condemnation, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding women’s health and rights within the nation.
