Va. Senate OKs Sen. Black’s bill to outlaw female circumcision

The Virginia Senate passed a bill Thursday that would make the practice of female genital mutilation a misdemeanor – but that penalty is much less than the sponsors originally intended. The bill would make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to perform any circumcision or infibulation of the labia majora, labia minora or clitoris of a minor – or for parents or legal guardians to consent to the procedure for a minor. A Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Read more here:

http://www.loudountimes.com/news/article/va._senate_oks_sen._blacks_bill_to_outlaw_female_circumcision432