By: Binta Jaiteh
Islamic cleric Imam Abdoulie Fatty accompanied by dozens of his followers on Monday stormed the National Assembly precincts to throw their weight behind efforts for the repeal anti-FGM/C law.
Speaking shortly after the tabling of the Women’s Amendment Bill 2023 introduced by Almameh Gibba of FoniKansala for its first reading, the Bill seeks to repeal the Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015 and its second reading will be on March 18.
Meanwhile, former State House Imam Abdoulie Fatty told this reporter in an interview that a huge difference existsbetween FGM and FGM/C, saying Islamic scholars support FGM/C and not FGM.
He said FGM/C involves the cutting of the female genitalia while FGM is related to cutting off the small part of genitalia.
“We are advised to cut small pieces of the part and not the whole part,” he elucidated.
According to him, those fighting against FGM/C are Muslims, adding that Islamic scholars are divided on the practice.
“We are not equal in Islamic knowledge. Some scholars affirmed that the act is allowed in Islam, some say it is compulsory while others say it is a Sunnah,” he explained.
“We have been here for years and no one is being forced to practice the act. The Prophet (SAW) has taught us how topractice FGM/C and it was practiced during the Prophet’s time,” he added
“Who are those people to question that fact? His family went through the act and none of them had complications,” stated Imam Fatty.
He stressed that the laws of the United Nations cannotautomatically supplant Gambian laws, saying: “They cannot jail our grandparents and our mothers without them committing any crime. I urge that the law be repealed so that the country for the peace of the country.”