By: Mariama Njie
National Assembly members on Thursday debated Skin bleaching prohibition, repeal bill after the second reading of the bill by the Attorney General.
The first reading was done on Monday 22nd June 2020 and on Thursday the second reading in accordance with the standing Order 66 was read.
Attorney General and Minter of Justice, Dawda Jallow, described the bill as the first of its kind in Africa for being the trail balance, recognition, observance and domestication of the international obligations on commitment related to women rights into domestic law.
According to him, since the enactment of women Act 2010, significant strikes have been made to enforce law and to protect women in line with the provisions of the Act.
He further explained that, Section 25 Act recognizes the needs for periodic review of legislation for every 10years to ensure further fulfilment with international obligation as enshrine in the convention of all form of discrimination against women and the protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Right in the rights of women in Africa.
“This Amendment is intended to review and amend as stated in the object, but mainly it is to repeal skin bleaching Act completely from our law books”, he said.
Nominated MP Majanko Samusa, stated that skin bleaching doesn’t render one a non-Muslim or a non-Christian, as he called for a repealing of a 2010 law that frowns at the act.
“The right of people should be considered. I rise to support the bill to repeal this act because I see it as a violation of human rights. You can only accept this bill when you accept this state as an Islamic state.
“It’s a democracy, if you like to bleach yourself, if you want cut your skin. It’s affects you (person doing it) not the community. This bill is general. You have some men who bleach their skin likewise women,” he said.
He added: “Let’s not make life difficult for people. It’s a democracy. You bleach, that doesn’t mean you’re not a Muslim or Christian. We should repeal it so that those who want to bleach can do it at their liberty.”
Hon. Halifa Sallah, Member for Serrekunda, said the bill was enacted in 2010 during the former regime but people were still practicing skin bleaching.
“If any laws are put in place for the skin bleaching, there will be discrimination between the poor and the rich because skin bleaching is mostly practice by the rich,” he said.
However, he supported the repeal of the bill as it is a choice towards the individuals, adding that they are law makers and should make laws on national interest.
He pointed out that if law is enforced it will detain the people, and lead to the arrests of those practicing it as well.
Hon. Saikou Baa Jarju member for Busumbala, who spoke against the motion said: “In as much as I want to support human right, I am against the repeal of this act.”
He said he cannot go against his religion which against skin bleaching, for the sake of supporting people’s choice.
“As far as its harming I want the executive to have plan B, by sensitizing the people about the harmful effects rather than putting me in the middle to repeal this Act,” he said.
Hon.Seedia Jatta, member for Wuli West, said even if this law is repeal people will not stop the people from bleaching because they will think it’s their right, adding that the basis is not there for this law to be enforced.
Hon. Dembo Camara, member for Elliassa, who also spoke against the motion, said skin bleaching is an insult to oneself, stressing that women should accept their colours for who they are, noting skin bleaching is increasing while the country is not developing.
“We should protect our own people, we should use what they want but what is good for them, on that note am totally against this repeal,” he said.
Hon. Alfusainey Ceesay, member for Sami, said he is totally against the repeal of the Act and therefore laws should be enforced.
He further applied to the Speaker to involve the speaking of local languages in the parliament so that the people who are not educated can know what they always talk about, especially this bill of skin bleaching.
Member for Tallinding, Fatoumatta Jawara said skin bleaching is affecting women than men, this is a matter of concern, adding women who bleach have high risks of contaminating diseases therefore laws should be enforce to protect and safe them from the harms.
However, the debate was referred by the National Assembly members for further notice.
