The Iowa Senate has unanimously voted to ban female genital mutilation and charge those who perform the procedure with a felony. A version of the bill ready for debate in the Iowa House would establish a lesser penalty for the practice — an aggravated misdemeanor — but Senator Jake Chapman of Adel objected.
“If the House refuses to take this bill because it’s a Class D felony, then shame on the House. Shame on the House,” Chapman said. “…I think we have a responsibility to do what’s in the best interest of Iowans and this practice is horrific. This practice should be classified as torture.”
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Washington
Grade: C
Number of Women and Girls At Risk: 25,000
Status: Existing Legislation Needs Strengthening
Improve by adding: Prosecuting parents/guardian, felony offense