Legal loophole weakens female circumcision ban
9/6/08
The Egyptian parliament has outlawed female circumcision but parliamentary sources say an exception to the ban - cases of “medical necessity” - could undermine it. Female genital mutilation, which dates back to pharaonic times, will now be punishable by a jail term of three months to two years or a fine of 1000 to 5000 Egyptian pounds ($200-$1000), they said on Saturday. The new legislation is part of a bill on children’s rights that has been the subject of fierce parliamentary debate for several weeks. Those who supported the practice argued that it was appropriate when female genitals protruded too much. They also said it was needed to preserve the woman’s virtue.
Tags: Africa, Religion, Womens Rights