LANSING — Female genital mutilation (FGM) would be criminalized in Michigan under bipartisan legislation submitted in the Michigan House of Representatives. The seven bill package would make it a felony to perform or facilitate an FGM procedure. Hosting or transporting someone for the purpose of performing an FGM procedure would also be a felony.
“The disturbing reports earlier this year of young girls, ages six and seven, who were subjected to brutal genital mutilation procedures in Michigan show that the state needs to do more to prevent what is already a federal crime,” said state Rep. Pam Faris (D-Clio). “As part of this package, my bill, House Bill 4642, would require the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to develop and administer an educational outreach program targeting vulnerable populations who live in our state but practice different cultural norms.”
Other bills in the package would revoke the state medical license of anyone convicted under the legislation and extend the statute of limitations for FGM victims up to 10 years after their eighteenth birthday.