(State-SC) S.C. lawmakers advanced a bill Tuesday to criminalize female genital mutilation as child abuse after a judge struck down a federal ban.
S.C. House Judiciary Committee members voted 24-0 to move the bill to the full House for a vote.
The bill, sponsored by a bipartisan group of two dozen lawmakers, would make attempting, performing or facilitating the practice on a minor under the age of 18, or an incapacitated adult, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison or a $20,000 fine, or both.
It also would penalize those who consent to the procedure, such as a parent or guardian.
“It’s important for women and women’s rights,” said bill co-sponsor Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Berkeley.
