Gambia’s Parliament Rejects Bill To Overturn Female Genital Mutilation Ban

Gambia’s parliament on Monday decisively rejected a bill that would have ended the country’s ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), after lawmakers voted down all the clauses in the proposed law. This development effectively halts any progress of the bill, which had initially raised concerns among rights groups.

Parliament Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta confirmed the rejection, noting that the bill had previously passed a second reading in March with only five out of 53 lawmakers voting against it. This earlier vote had sparked fears that Gambia might become the first country to reverse a ban on the practice.

During Monday’s session, lawmakers voted on each clause of the bill ahead of a scheduled third and final reading on July 24. However, a majority voted against each clause, leading Speaker Jatta to declare the legislative process exhausted.

“The (National) Assembly cannot be engaged in such a futile exercise as to allow the bill to proceed to a third reading,” Jatta stated. “The bill is rejected and the legislative process exhausted.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) maintains that FGM has no health benefits and can cause severe complications, including excessive bleeding, shock, psychological problems, and even death.

The decision marks a significant victory for rights groups and activists who have long campaigned against FGM, highlighting its dangers and advocating for the protection of women’s and girls’ health and rights in Gambia.

Melissa Enoch

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