Gambian lawmakers have endorsed suggestions by nation’s joint well being and gender committee to uphold the nation’s ban on feminine genital mutilation (FGM). This units the stage for an important vote on July 24 relating to the potential decriminalization of the observe. The endorsement occurred on Monday with 35 lawmakers voting for, 17 opposing, and two abstaining. Regardless of being outlawed since 2015, the observe stays prevalent within the West African nation. Final yr, public discontent in opposition to the ban reached a excessive when three ladies have been convicted for reducing eight toddler women. The convictions, the primary for the reason that enactment of the legislation that banned the observe, ignited backlash and led to the present legislative debate about whether or not to repeal or maintain it. Ought to parliament vote to decriminalize FGM, Gambia would grow to be the primary nation to reverse its ban. Proponents of decriminalization argue it infringes on cultural and spiritual practices.
SOURCE: VOA