Gambian lawmakers rejected a bill to overturn a ban on female genital cutting, following months of heated debate in the predominantly Muslim nation. The bill’s rejection, which prevented a final vote, was closely watched by activists concerned about reversing progress against the harmful practice. Female genital mutilation, involving the removal of girls’ external genitalia, can cause severe health issues but remains common in parts of Africa. Religious conservatives argued it was a virtue of Islam, but attitudes shifted after rights activists and experts highlighted its dangers.