Women and girls considered at risk from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) will receive enhanced protection under proposals in a new Bill.
FGM is a procedure which involves partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
The legislation would introduce Protection Orders specifically designed to safeguard women and children who might find themselves under pressure to undergo FGM.
The Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill will also see statutory guidance issued for professionals and agencies working in this area. This will help to ensure a more consistent and holistic multi-agency response across services to victims of FGM and those at risk of the practice.
The introduction of this legislation builds on the commitment made within the Scottish Government’s National Action Plan to prevent and eradicate FGM and to strengthen the law in this area.
Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply abhorrent practice and a fundamental violation of the human rights of women and girls. It is a physical manifestation of deep-rooted gender inequality.
“FGM is already illegal. This Bill will provide for increased protection with the introduction of protection orders and putting guidance on a statutory footing to improve the response of services.”
FGM survivor Neneh Bojang from Edinburgh (below) said: “I was just nine years old when I was subjected to FGM. It was excruciating and has caused me pain throughout my life. If this Bill prevents even just one woman from going through the same, then in my eyes, it will be a success.”
Emma Currer, National Officer for Scotland at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM),said: “This is a welcome move by the Scottish Government. This will support our aim of ending FGM in Scotland.
“The proposed statutory guidance is also welcome. This will enable all professionals and agencies to better support those affected by FGM. It will also foster a more consistent approach across Scotland in line with the legislation.
“We are disappointed that the Bill does not include mandatory reporting of FGM to the police as is the case now in England. FGM is illegal and it is a crime perpetrated against women and girls. We need to see those responsible for doing it held to account before the law.
“We are making progress but there is still much to do though to stop this violence against women and girls and we cannot relax our efforts. Many girls and women here in Scotland and across the UK continue to be at risk.”
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