Pressure for female genital cutting lingers in the U.S.

[Downhome_Woman]

I think in the end, education is the ONLY thing that eradicates these kinds of cultural pressures. I hope that the law can afford girls some protection, but I know true change won't happen until people realize that cutting apart healthy genitalia for 'the look' or to limit function, makes zero sense.

Exactly!

 

[ironsides]

This doesn't restrict religious freedom, it merely places a limitation on when that freedom can be practiced.

My right to religious freedom does not supercede anyone else's right to security of person. Canadian law has set precedent time and time again that one person's religion does not give them the right to visit harm upon another person.

Men and women would still be free to have their genitals modified as they see fit once they are old enough to make the informed decision to do so.

That is not just Canadian law.

 

[#juan]

There are varying degrees of female circumcision, from 'simple labial trimming' to full on removal of the clitoris. I doubt that anyone would say any of them are okay just because they leave most or some sexual enjoyment intact.

And juan, that little bit of foreskin does a LOT to dull down male sexual enjoyment... that was one of the many reasons it was pushed in North America... as a prevenetive for masturbation.

Male circumcision also helps prevents the spread of diseases such as HIV,gonorrhea and others. I don't think that bit of missing skin makes a difference in the large scheme of things. I would rather that neither male nor female circumcision was inflicted on people without their adult permission.

 

[petros]

Male circumcision also helps prevents the spread of diseases such as HIV,gonorrhea and others. I don't think that bit of missing skin makes a difference in the large scheme of things. I would rather that neither male nor female circumcision was inflicted on people without their adult permission.

That's a load of crap!

 

[VanIsle]

Male circumcision also helps prevents the spread of diseases such as HIV,gonorrhea and others. I don't think that bit of missing skin makes a difference in the large scheme of things. I would rather that neither male nor female circumcision was inflicted on people without their adult permission.

I'm not sure it is helpful in regard to stopping the spread of disease. For younger children, it might be helpful in stopping infection in regard to a child who may not clean themselves properly. Circumcision in adult males is very painful. It's a decision best left up to one's parents at the birth of the child.

 

[TenPenny]

It's a decision best left up to one's parents at the birth of the child.

Quite so, and the same would go for female circumcision, then. Best left up to the parents.

 

[AnnaG]

It's best not done at all unless medically necessary.

 

[#juan]

A neighbor of ours was fostering a young girl from Pakistan. This girl was a happy go lucky soul who always had a smile for everyone The girl's grandparents sent for her to spend a few weeks in Pakistan. The girl was never the same again when she got back. We found out later that the grandparents had organized genital surgery for her. The girl suffered from depression that couldn't seem to be cured. Within three years she had comitted suicide. There is certainly a case for banning religious surgery.

 

[petros]

Yup circumcision is one of them worth banning.

 

[AnnaG]

A neighbor of ours was fostering a young girl from Pakistan. This girl was a happy go lucky soul who always had a smile for everyone The girl's grandparents sent for her to spend a few weeks in Pakistan. The girl was never the same again when she got back. We found out later that the grandparents had organized genital surgery for her. The girl suffered from depression that couldn't seem to be cured. Within three years she had comitted suicide. There is certainly a case for banning religious surgery.

Gawd that's sad. What immense stupidity and waste.