By: Binta Jaiteh
Some members of the House have expressed disapproval over the country’s strict anti-FGM law, calling on the government to allow for an optional practice of the enduring traditional practice.
The conviction recently of three women in the Central River Region over practicing FGM crystallized into an all-out campaign against the practice with CSOs promising to increase their vigilance and advocacy against it.
But on Monday, some NAMs came out to express their disenchantment over the ban.
NAM for Foni Berefet Amie Colley said she was disappointed in people who support the FGM ban.
To her, any tribe that wants to sustain the practice of FGM must be allowed to practice it.
Nominated NAM Maimuna Ceesay described as shameful the discourse around FGM on the floor of the House.
“This is a shame that we are standing in front of men,discussing about our privacy. Ethically, none of us should tolerate such,” she underscored.
According to NAM Ceesay, FGM has been practiced in the country for a long time now, adding that the people have the right to sustain the practice.
“This practice has existed in this country for long. If you want to practice it, it’s your right. The law is here and the practice never created a problem. Why now?” she stated.
She pointed out that the ban on FGM constitutes a political suicide.
“It’s our religion, our culture and we all went through it. Wecannot go against our principles. Everyone has their own culture,” NAM Ceesay told the House.
She called for more awareness creation around FGM than the use of the stick.
“Because you cannot impose something on people, which they don’t want,” she stated.
Nominated NAM Fatoumatta Jawara in her contribution to yesterday’s debate on FGM said: “Why do they want to shame the women, considering where this is(performed)on the women’s body? This is our integrity. Why do we allow people to discuss it in public? This issue has brought a lot of chaos in the country. We all have a culture. Ifthis(FGM) has health implications, I urge the Minister of Health to come up with a sensitization campaign to sensitize our mothers on how to do the practice rather than banning it.”
NAM for Central Baddibu Sulayman Saho highlighted thatFGM is practiced in secrecy without the usual pomp but added that the 1997 Constitution “clearly spelled out the right to practice one’s culture and religion”.
“We need dialogue on this matter rather than arresting our mothers and sisters to be arraigned before the court. This is creating discord among those, who practice it as culture and religion. In my opinion, it should be a matter of choice rather than banning the act because of funding being received from the West,” he stated.
“If you are of the opinion that it(FGM) affects the health of women, why not support them with materials to promote hygiene and sanitation? Banning the act infringes on others’ rights and serves as a recipe for violence in our country. This country has a record of stability, and we all need to put hands on deck to re-visit the legislation that criminalizes female circumcision,” he added.
