The New Hampshire legislature passed legislation last week prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation of a minor in the Granite State. Governor Sununu is expected to sign it. Maine’s majority Democrat House decided not to support similar legislation.
This week, Maine House Democrats sent a clear message that female genital mutilation (FGM) performed on young girls should not be a crime in their state. So much for child abuse prevention.
Will FGM advocates in New Hampshire be taking day trips to The Pine Tree State? Not legally.
(c) The person knowingly removes or causes or permits the removal of a female minor from this state for the purpose of circumcising, excising, or infibulating, in whole or in part, the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of such female.
II. It shall not be a defense to prosecution for a violation of this section that the conduct described in paragraph I is required as a matter of custom, ritual, or religious practice, or that the minor on whom it is performed, or the minor’s parent or legal guardian, consented to the procedure.
That’s not to say that after HB1739 becomes law in New Hampshire that it won’t happen, just that if caught the perps can be prosecuted.
I had a conversation with Kimberly on this I’m still looking for so in the meantime here’s my conversation with Raheel Raza during which we briefly discuss the NH Bill and the issue of FGM.
Fount It!
