Lawmakers have started debate over a motion that seeks to decriminalise female circumcision also known as female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country.

More than two dozen lawmakers begin backing the National Assembly member for Central Baddibou, MP Sulayman Saho, who presented a proposal at the House today for the law to be scrapped. 

Under the current law, a person who carried out FGM could face up to three years in prison or a fine of D50,000, and a life sentence for an FGM that results in death.

The motion comes after three women were convicted of FGM in the Central River Region and optionally sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of D15,000.

Mr Saho cited the 1997 Constitution to have clearly spelt out right to practice ones’ culture and religion, adding that these are enshrined in chapter 17 subsection 2 and section 32.

“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 practiced it as culture and religion. To my opinion it should be a matter of choice rather than banned the act because of fundings being received from the West.

“If you are with the opinion that it affects the health of women, why not support them with materials to promote hygiene and sanitation. Banning the act infringes others’ rights and serves as 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 act that criminalised female circumcision.”  

Reporting by Adama Makasuba