Gambia Parliament Rejects Bill to Lift FGM Ban

Gambia’s parliament has rejected a bill. The bill aimed to overturn the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). Lawmakers voted against all parts of the bill. This stopped the bill from moving forward. This decision shows the nation’s promise to protect women and girls. They are protecting them from this harmful practice. Africanews.com reports the bill failed after a vote [Source needed]. Most lawmakers opposed changing the existing law. (https://www.africanews.com/2024/03/19/gambia-rejects-bill-to-legalise-female-genital-mutilation/)

The Ministry of Information said the FGM ban is still in effect. This shows the government’s strong commitment. They want to completely remove FGM from the country.

Background and Public Debate on FGM

The bill started a big public debate about FGM. This was a first for the West African nation. The debate brought the issue to the forefront. It created divisions in villages, families, and even parliament. The discussions showed the strong cultural and social norms. These norms help FGM continue in some communities. The debate’s intensity shows how complex this issue is. It involves culture, religion, and human rights.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says FGM has no health benefits. It poses major risks to women and girls. These risks include bleeding, shock, trauma, and even death. The WHO’s view supports the global idea that FGM is harmful. It violates human rights and must be stopped. The health problems from FGM show why it’s important to keep and strengthen bans.

Parliamentary Proceedings and Voting Outcomes on FGM Legislation

At first, the bill passed a second reading in March. It seemed to have a large majority. Only five of 53 lawmakers opposed it. This worried human rights groups. They feared Gambia might reverse its FGM ban. This possibility caused international concern. It also led to more attention on the law-making process. These votes suggested a change in views on FGM. This made the final rejection of the bill even more important.

According to The Guardian, the vote shows ongoing debate in the country. The debate is about the practice. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/19/gambian-mps-reject-bill-to-legalise-fgm)

After the second reading, parliament’s committees held public hearings. They gathered different views on the bill. After weeks of discussion, the committees made a report on July 8. They suggested Gambia keep the FGM ban. Lawmakers voted 35 to 17 to accept the report. Two lawmakers abstained. This showed a growing agreement against lifting the ban. This showed a change in momentum. The importance of the issue became clearer.

Before a final reading on July 24, Parliament voted on each part of the bill. About 30 MPs voted against each part. This stopped the bill from going to the final reading. This strong opposition made the Parliament Speaker stop the bill. The FGM ban would stay in place. This action confirmed the parliament’s promise. They are protecting women and girls from this harm.

Reactions and Implications of the FGM Ban

Anti-FGM activist Fatou Baldeh felt relief and disappointment after the bill’s rejection. She was relieved the ban stayed. But, she was disappointed the bill was even considered. Gambian legal scholar Satang Nabaneh said the bill’s rejection shows Gambia’s promise. They are upholding international and human rights duties. This sends a strong message to the world. It shows Gambia’s commitment to protecting women’s and girls’ rights.

The possible reversal of the ban worried human rights groups. They saw it as a setback for women’s rights in the region. Many feared a reversal in Gambia could encourage other countries to reconsider their bans. The bill’s rejection is seen as a win for these groups. It also reaffirms the global promise to remove FGM. The world’s response shows the importance of working together on this issue.

Despite this good result, big challenges remain. It’s hard to completely remove FGM. This is especially true in communities where the practice is part of the culture. Continued education, awareness, and community work are needed. They can change views and actions about FGM. These efforts must respect culture. They must be tailored to the needs of different communities. Lasting change can only happen with a complete approach.

The debate about the FGM ban in Gambia shows the connection between culture, religion, and human rights. FGM is a rite of passage or a symbol of purity in some communities. [Source needed] But, human rights groups and health experts have condemned it. They say it violates women’s rights and is dangerous. It also has severe health effects. This shows the need for a balanced approach. It should respect culture while upholding human rights.

According to AA.com.tr, women’s rights groups and international groups strongly opposed the bill. (https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/gambia-parliament-rejects-bill-seeking-to-legalise-fgm/3167384)

The United Nations has called for the end of FGM. It sees it as violence against women that must be stopped. The African Union has also made plans to remove the practice. This shows a regional promise to end FGM. The recent vote in the Gambian parliament shows the challenges. It is hard to balance culture with the protection of human rights. This balance is key for a fair society for all.

Conclusion: Gambia’s Stance on FGM

The Gambian parliament’s rejection of the bill is a big win for women’s rights. It shows the country’s commitment to human rights. Challenges remain in removing FGM completely. This is due to strong cultural norms. Continued education and community work are very important. This decision shows the global effort to balance culture with human rights. It ensures a safer future for women and girls.