A bill that seeks to overturn the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) has been introduced in Gambia’s parliament by an independent lawmaker. The move has ignited a fierce debate between religious and women’s rights groups in the country.
FGM was outlawed in Gambia in 2015 during the presidency of Yahya Jammeh, who stated that it was not a requirement in Islam. However, influential Muslim clerics are now pushing for the ban to be repealed, while women’s rights activists remain adamant that it should remain in place. Jammeh’s authoritarian rule ended in 2016.
According to the United Nations, over three-quarters of Gambian females aged between 15 and 49 have undergone FGM. In its most severe form, FGM involves the removal of the clitoris and the stitching of the genitalia, preventing women from experiencing sexual pleasure.
Supporters of the bill, including followers of the outspoken Muslim cleric Abdoulie Fatty, rallied in its favor before it was presented in parliament on Monday. Chanting slogans such as “Female circumcision is my religious belief, Gambia is not for sale,” they stressed that the practice is deeply rooted in their faith.
Last year, Abdoulie Fatty even helped pay the fines for three women who had been convicted of carrying out FGM on young girls. At the time, Gambia’s Supreme Islamic Council, the country’s main body of Muslim clerics, advocated for the ban to be scrapped. Notably, there are differing views on FGM within Islam, with leading scholars in countries like Egypt opposing the practice.
The bill’s proponent, Almammeh Gibba, a Gambian lawmaker, argues that the proposed legislation aims to “uphold religious purity and safeguard cultural norms and values,” as reported by the privately owned Point newspaper. He asserts that if the practice is carried out correctly, it should not be classified as mutilation.
Opponents of the bill, such as Anna Njie, the head of Gambia’s Female Lawyers Association, believe that repealing the ban would be a regressive step. She emphasized that while they cannot dictate the actions of the National Assembly, they reserve the right to take legal action when fundamental rights are violated, according to the local Standard newspaper.
The majority party in parliament, led by Billay Tunkara, has yet to take a definitive position on whether to support the bill. Tunkara acknowledged the complexity of the issue, which encompasses religion, culture, human rights, and public health concerns. He emphasized the need for thorough deliberation before making a decision.
FGM is internationally condemned due to its severe physical and psychological consequences for women and girls. The practice can result in severe pain, infections, excessive bleeding, and urinary complications.
As the debate over the bill intensifies, many are watching closely to see how Gambia’s parliament will navigate the delicate balance between respecting religious beliefs and safeguarding the rights and well-being of its female citizens.
The outcome of this contentious issue will not only shape the future of FGM in Gambia but also serve as a reflection of the country’s commitment to upholding human rights standards and achieving gender equality.
