The decision to possibly overturn a ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia has been postponed after lawmakers called for further consultations. This comes as members of parliament debated whether to repeal the ban on the procedure which has no health benefits according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Background
FGM was outlawed by The Gambia eight years ago, punishable by up to three years of imprisonment and fines. Lawmaker Almameh Gibba introduced a bill to overturn the ban, arguing that it violates citizens’ rights to practice their culture and religion.
Debate and Decision
Gibba stated that overturning the ban would uphold religious loyalty and safeguard cultural norms. If passed, The Gambia would become the first country to reverse a ban on FGM. After a vote of 42 to four, the bill was sent to a parliamentary committee for review, a process expected to take at least three months.
Public Response
Hundreds protested outside parliament in support of repealing the ban. Anti-FGM groups in The Gambia, an overwhelmingly Muslim country, fear the reversal will undo years of progress. Concerns have been raised about the lack of Quranic basis for the practice and its harmful health effects.
Concerns and Advocacy
Opponents, such as Jaha Dukureh from Safe Hands for Girls, express concern over invalidating experiences and reducing pain to western influence. Equality Now emphasizes the importance of the ban, as over half of FGM-practicing countries have laws against it. Reversal in The Gambia could set a dangerous precedent for advocacy efforts globally.
Global Impact
The number of women and girls subjected to FGM worldwide has increased to 230 million from 200 million eight years ago. FGM involves the partial or full removal of external genitalia and is performed by traditional practitioners or healthcare workers using tools like razor blades.