By Fiona Benson
The House of Representatives has halted the debate of the controversial Bill seeking to abolish female genital Mutilation (FGM), or cutting of their clitoris.
The practice is locally known as female circumcision.
The halt, according to members of the House, will remain in force until citizens are consulted on the matter in the 73 districts.
Citizens are expected to vote on the Draft Bill either to ban the “harmful” practices or not.
Citizens’ engagement is for broader understanding before a final decision is made by the House.
The decision was reached during November 18, Tuesday’s sitting following the presentation of a preliminary report from the Joint Committee on Gender, Health, Internal Affairs and Judiciary. The Committee is chaired by Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah.
The committees had been mandated to review the Bill submitted by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. It seeks to prohibit all “harmful traditional practices” in the country.
After the report was read and opened for discussion, Bong County Electoral District #3 Representative, J. Marvin Cole, raised a motion.
Cole’s motion called for extensive nationwide consultations.
He argued that the draft Bill, given its cultural and social significance, should be thoroughly discussed with citizens, especially those in communities directly affected by the proposed changes.
Cole further said the need for inclusive dialogue is crucial, noting that the people must be given the space to express their views, concerns, and recommendations before the Legislature proceeds with any final action.
Shortly after the reading of the Cole’s communication, a heated debate erupted in the chambers among the lawmakers over report of the Bill.
The session was marred by heightened emotions as lawmakers from diverse political, cultural, and religious backgrounds clashed over the implications of the draft Bill, with the discussion taken a dramatic turn as some lawmakers expressed dissenting opinions towards the Bill, and instead advocated for a proposed legislation aimed at banning homosexual practices in the country.
One of the Lawmakers, who is against the passage of the FGM Bill, is the Maryland County District #2 Representative, Anthony Williams.
Williams argued that the proponents of the draft Bill to Ban Harmful Cultural Practices aim to eradicate traditional customs deemed detrimental, including the FGM, and child marriage, which have long been criticized by human rights organizations.
Williams called on his colleagues to be outing for a legislative agenda to shift towards a more defining issue in their view, the outlawing of homosexual practices then banning the country traditional practice.
“We must protect our cultural identity and values by proposing an anti-gay Bill.
“This is not just legislation; it is about preserving the very fabric of our society.”
Following deliberations, plenary endorsed the motion, allowing the draft Bill to be taken to all 73 districts for consultations, community dialogues, and public engagements.
The House said the outreach process will ensure that the final decision reflects the will of the people, while balancing human rights, cultural considerations, and national development priorities.