BILL TO REPEAL FGM LAW SET TO BE TABLED IN PARLIAMENT

A bill seeking to repeal the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) law in The Gambia is set to be presented in Parliament by Hon. Almameh Gibba, the member for Foni Kansala. The issue gained prominence when Hon. Sulayman Saho, the member for Central Baddibu, highlighted it during a session in 2023.

According to a press release from the Office of the Speaker, the bill aims to overturn the ban on FGM in The Gambia, citing the practice's deep cultural roots and the desire to preserve traditional norms and values. The release emphasized that the existing ban on FGM is seen as a direct violation of citizens' rights to practice their culture and religion, as enshrined in the constitution.

The press release further argued that lifting the ban would allow individuals to perform the practice under appropriate conditions, guided by religious principles, diligence, and care. It contended that any law conflicting with the desires of the majority Muslim population in The Gambia should be reevaluated.

This proposal has garnered support from other members of the national assembly, including female representatives, who also advocate for lifting the ban on FGM.

The timing of the bill's presentation during the first ordinary session of the 2024 legislative year remains uncertain.