Michigan cracks down on female genital mutilation with 13 new laws
LANSING (WJBK) - Restrictions and penalties for female genital mutilation were strengthened in Michigan on Tuesday with over a dozen laws targeting the crime.
Gov. Rick Snyder signed a package of bills that:
- Prohibits female genital mutilation
- Establishes criminal penalties for those who perform it
- Creates sanctions against healthcare licensees
- Requires more public education on the subject
- Extends civil and criminal statutes of limitations
"Those who commit these horrendous crimes should be held accountable for their actions, and these bills stiffen the penalties for offenders while providing additional support to victims," Snyder said in a statement. "This legislation is an important step toward eliminating this despicable practice in Michigan while empowering victims to find healing and justice."
Bills came from both halves of the Legislature. Snyder signed a total of 13 bills that became Public Acts 68-79 and 81 of 2017.
The crime became the center of attention after four people were charged in a case of female genital mutliation in the Metro Detroit Area.
Two doctors and a physician's wife are facing federal charges for allegedly cutting the genetitals of two 7-year-old girls from Minnesota at Burhani Medical Clinic in Livonia.
SEE ALSO:
- Grand jury indicts 3 in Metro Detroit for female genital mutilation
- Suspects charged in female genital mutilation stay in custody; office surveillance video reviewed
- Doctor at center of female genital mutilation indictment fired from Henry Ford Health System
- Livonia doctor's defense denies female genital mutilation; calls it religious removal
- Doctor charged with female genital mutilation could face life in prison