Gambian Lawmaker proposes bill to Repeal Ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

The Gambia has tabled a bill seeking to repeal the country’s ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This proposed legislation has sparked widespread debate and condemnation from human rights activists, who argue that it represents a significant setback in the fight against the harmful practice.

The bill, introduced by the unnamed lawmaker, aims to overturn The Gambia’s landmark 2015 law that criminalized FGM and imposed strict penalties on perpetrators. FGM, also known as female circumcision, involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is widely recognized as a violation of human rights and a form of gender-based violence.

The proposed legislation has reignited the debate over FGM in The Gambia, where the practice remains deeply entrenched despite efforts to eradicate it. Supporters of the bill argue that FGM is a cultural tradition that should be preserved and regulated rather than outlawed, citing concerns about the impact of the ban on traditional practices and community cohesion.

However, opponents of the bill, including women’s rights activists and international organizations, have condemned the move as a dangerous regression that threatens the health and well-being of Gambian women and girls. They argue that FGM has no place in a modern society and must be unequivocally condemned and prohibited by law.

The 2015 ban on FGM in The Gambia was hailed as a significant step forward in the fight against the practice, which has been linked to a myriad of health complications, including infection, infertility, and even death. The law was seen as a testament to The Gambia’s commitment to upholding human rights and protecting the rights of women and girls.

The proposed repeal of the FGM ban has raised concerns about the potential consequences for the health and rights of Gambian women and girls. If passed, the bill could embolden supporters of FGM and undermine efforts to educate communities about the harmful effects of the practice and provide support to survivors.

AMN | Anochie’s Report | Banjul.