Practising the FGM/C, he argued, should be a matter of choice, saying: “There should be no law banning the practise of FGM/C. Any law that bars people from doing FGM/C is targeting Muslims right to religious beliefs,” he claimed.
In an interview with The Point, the Honorary Consul of Angola, said: “Muslims should have all right to practise FGM/C as it is instructed by Prophet Muhammed (SAW).”
“Any law that bars female circumcision is targeting Muslims' rights to religious beliefs and values. Therefore, this should not be accepted by any practising Muslim,” he emphasised.
“I am not saying that female circumcision should be obligatory for all and sundry to practise. However, those who want to practise should not be barred from practising their fundamental human right and right to free religious beliefs, norms, and values,” he clarified.
He said that FGC has been in practice since time immemorial.
“There are Muslims in the country who don't practise FGM. But this does not stain the relationship that continues to exist between us especially who are practicing it. Barring people from practising FGM are western ideologies intended to do away with our culture and religious beliefs.”
“We will be against the establishment of any law meant to bar female circumcision in this country. I am calling on President Adama Barrow and his government to not abolish female circumcision but to allow people to practice their religious rights and freedom,” he urged.
He urged Gambians to rally behind former State House Imam Abdoulie Fatty, who is currently championing the repealing of the FGM laws.
