Two Detroit-area doctors are facing federal charges of conspiracy to commit female genital mutilation. Now state lawmakers are moving to make the act a state crime is quickly making its way through the legislature.
The legislation would make it a 15-year felony to remove or reconstruct a female minor’s genitalia for non-medical purposes. It’s currently a federal crime punishable by up to five years.
A few fringe religions around the world still practice forms of female genital cutting.
But Republican Senator Rick Jones says there is no reason for the procedure.
“This is a very evil, horrific, demonic act. It’s an attack on little girls.”
The legislation would also make it a crime to bring someone to Michigan for the procedure.