Gambia Advances Bill to Lift Ban on Female Genital Mutilation

The controversial bill, if passed, would make Gambia the first country to reverse legal protections against FGM, sparking global concern.

Gambian lawmakers voted to advance a bill that seeks to lift the 2015 ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), amid protests and international outcry.
The bill, supported by religious conservatives, aims to uphold cultural norms and religious rights, but faces strong opposition from human rights groups.
Over 75% of Gambian women aged between 15 and 49 have undergone FGM, a practice that can lead to serious health issues and is considered a violation of human rights.
International organizations, including UNICEF and Amnesty International, have condemned the move, warning it sets a dangerous precedent for women's rights.
The bill's progression has sparked a heated debate on women's bodily autonomy and the intersection of culture, religion, and human rights.