The Gambian parliament has moved to repeal the Act prohibiting female circumcision.

A bill to that effect, sponsored by a member of parliament, Almameh Gibba, passed the second reading after securing massive votes on Monday.

The move to repeal the Act which became operational in 2015 has polarised the citizens of the tiny West African country.

Activists and opponents of the move were on Monday reported to have thronged the 53-member unicameral legislature building in Banjul in protest.

However, proponents of the move to repeal the Act are reportedly in the majority, having polled 42 votes.

My decision to introduce the bill was informed by the need to protect the religious beliefs and culture of our people. To prohibit female circumcision has undermined our religious and cultural beliefs,

Gibba said while presenting the bill.

The bill would be assigned to a committee for a three-month critical analysis before the third reading and passage into law.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.