Why the U.S. ban on female genital mutilation was ruled unconstitutional

The first federal charges of female genital mutilation have been dismissed by a federal judge, whose ruling also declared the U.S. law banning the practice unconstitutional. In his 28-page decision, U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman said Congress “overstepped its bounds” in prohibiting the practice in 1996, adding that FGM is…

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House increases penalty for female genital mutilation

Washington — The U.S. House on Tuesday unanimously approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Michigan Rep. Dave Trott that would increase the maximum federal penalty for female genital mutilation from five years in prison to 15 years. The vote was 409-0. Trott, R-Birmingham, said he was moved to introduce the legislation…

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