Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah has sharply criticized fellow lawmakers for stalling a proposed ban on harmful traditional practices, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Speaking during the ninth day sitting of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mensah accused some colleagues of prioritizing political interests over the protection of women and girls.She alleged that certain lawmakers are resisting the bill to maintain favor with traditional constituencies, despite their own families being unaffected by such practices.
“Some of them don't want to sleep with us because our calories are cut, but you're pretending on the floor that you like traditional people,” she declared, referencing the physical and emotional toll of FGM.Her remarks reflect growing frustration over the delayed progress of the draft legislation, which resurfaced on the House’s agenda following a petition from the Campaign Against Harmful Traditional Practices.In response to mounting public pressure and internal debate, the House voted unanimously to dispatch the bill to all 73 electoral districts for public consultations.
Lawmakers hope this move will foster broader civic engagement and allow constituents to weigh in on the controversial proposal.The outcome of these consultations could determine the future of the bill, which aims to outlaw practices deemed harmful to the rights and dignity of women and girls across Liberia.
