WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) is leading the effort to eliminate FGM and fully denounce the harmful practice globally as a violation of human rights of women and girls. Senator Capito is joined in this effort by Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.).
BACKGROUND:
The resolution put forward today by Senator Capito and her colleagues denounces female genital mutilation or cutting as a violation of the human rights of women and girls and urges the international community and the federal government to increase efforts to eliminate the harmful practice. It is endorsed by Independent Women’s Forum and AHA Foundation. Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.
This resolution builds off the Federal Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2019, which Senators Capito, Ernst, Blackburn, Hyde-Smith, and Fischer put forward last year. This bill works to end female genital mutilation and ensure successful future prosecution of those who perpetuate this practice. The Female Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act is endorsed by Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, Independent Women’s Forum, and the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network.
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