LANSING (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Snyder has signed new laws criminalizing Female Genital Mutilation, or FGM, not only tripling the potential jail sentence a violator could get if prosecuted in the federal courts, but making it easier for the practitioner to be sued in civil court, and for the victim to get compensation and damages.
Several local lawmakers sponsored laws in the 12-bill package.
Senator Margaret’s O’Brien’s bill was one of the main bills in the package, actually outlawing the practice.
Rep. Beth Griffin’s bill allows victims to sue for up to three times actual damages, non-monetary costs and attorney fees.
Senator Tonya Schuitmaker co-sponsored a bill that would make it a crime to transport girls to have the procedure.
FGM essentially removes those parts of the body that make sex enjoyable for a woman, which in some parts of Africa is considered an act of faith.
From now on in Michigan, it’s a criminal act.
