Gambia’s parliament decisively rejected a bill on Monday that would have ended the country’s ban on female genital mutilation.
The practice, which involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, is widely condemned by international health and human rights organizations.
Lawmakers voted against all clauses in the proposed law, effectively stopping any progress on the bill. This decision was welcomed by rights groups concerned about the potential reversal of the FGM ban, which has been in place since 2015.
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. The earlier vote had sparked fears that Gambia might become the first country to reverse a ban on FGM.
During Monday’s session, lawmakers voted on each clause of the bill ahead of a scheduled third and final reading on July 24. However, the 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 Organization 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. The rejection of the bill ensures that the ban on this harmful practice remains in place, reinforcing Gambia’s commitment to safeguarding the health and rights of its female population.
