Connecticut Senate Bill SB00074

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/20
• Refer: 2/11/20

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation.

Impact

The passage of SB00074 would have several impacts on state laws regarding the protection of minors. By categorizing FGM as a class D felony, the bill not only addresses the immediate concern of health risks associated with the practice but also aligns state legislation with broader efforts to eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination. It serves the dual purpose of criminalizing a practice that has deeper cultural implications while providing a legal framework for prosecution and deterrence.

Summary

SB00074 aims to prohibit female genital mutilation (FGM) on minors under the age of eighteen. The bill establishes that performing FGM constitutes a class D felony, thereby criminalizing the act and introducing legal repercussions for those who engage in such practices. It explicitly defines FGM as any procedure involving the circumcision, excision, or infibulation of the labia or clitoris. This legislative measure is aimed at enhancing the protection of minors and safeguarding their rights against harmful traditional practices.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes a provision that allows for certain surgical operations to be exempted from the definition of FGM if they are performed for medical purposes by licensed healthcare professionals. However, it specifies that such operations cannot be justified by cultural beliefs or rituals, which may lead to discussions and debates about the complexities of cultural practices and the balance between tradition and child protection. Critics may argue about the challenges of enforcement and the risk of alienating communities where such practices are prevalent.