The Gambia's top court needs more time before deciding if they can hear a case about female cutting. Chief Justice Jallow plus four judges listened as government lawyers claimed the Supreme Court cannot rule on this matter. Several people want changes to the female genital mutilation ban, including lawmaker Almameh Gibba plus groups like the Islamic Enlightenment Society.
The challengers asked to fix their paperwork during the hearing. Their lawyer, Lamin Darboe, fought back against government objections. He said refusing to hear the case would stop the court from protecting basic rights found in parts 18, 33, and 36 of the Constitution. Everyone must wait until Tuesday for judges to announce if they'll hear the full case.
This legal battle centers on whether banning female cutting violates certain religious freedoms. The government claims these challengers brought their complaints to the wrong court. Both sides presented arguments about which court should handle such sensitive issues. The judges listened carefully before deciding they needed time to think about the next steps.
The challengers asked to fix their paperwork during the hearing. Their lawyer, Lamin Darboe, fought back against government objections. He said refusing to hear the case would stop the court from protecting basic rights found in parts 18, 33, and 36 of the Constitution. Everyone must wait until Tuesday for judges to announce if they'll hear the full case.
This legal battle centers on whether banning female cutting violates certain religious freedoms. The government claims these challengers brought their complaints to the wrong court. Both sides presented arguments about which court should handle such sensitive issues. The judges listened carefully before deciding they needed time to think about the next steps.
