By Ollus Ndomu
Lawmakers in Gambia have voted to send a controversial bill that would lift the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) to a committee for further discussion, reigniting a heated debate surrounding the practice.
FGM has been illegal in the country since 2015, but the proposed legislation has drawn support from Islamic conservatives seeking its reinstatement.
The bill’s proponents argue that FGM is a cultural and religious tradition deeply rooted in Gambian society, particularly among certain ethnic and religious communities.
They argue that lifting the ban would uphold cultural norms and protect religious freedoms.
However, opponents of the bill, including health experts and human rights advocates, vehemently oppose its passage.
Doctors emphasize that FGM has no health benefits and poses significant risks to women and girls, including extreme pain, long-term physical and psychological damage, and even death in some cases.
The decision to send the bill to a committee for further discussion reflects the complexities surrounding FGM in Gambia, where cultural, religious, and human rights considerations intersect.
