Finland approves separate law banning female genital mutilation Until now, the procedure was only punishable under Finnish law as assault or aggravated assault.

November 27, 2024   

(Yle) The Finnish Parliament has voted in favour of a government proposal to draft a specific law banning the practice and preparation of female genital mutilation (FGM).

FGM refers to the cutting or removal of some or all of the vulva for non-medical reasons.

Previously, FGM was only punishable under Finnish law as assault or aggravated assault.

In its programme for government, PM Petteri Orpo’s administration said it planned to make FGM more explicitly criminalised in the Criminal Code — leading to the drafting of the bill passed by parliament on Tuesday.

Read more.

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