Female circumcision/FGM

[jelly baby]

The unspeakable practice of female circumcision that's destroying young women's lives in Britain | the Daily Mail

I read this article yesterday and it made me numb. I have known that this practice takes place and is accepted as the norm in many African countries but thought that it had almost died out here and in Europe, due to education and 2nd /3rd/4th generation immigrants outlawing it.
How can any civilised country allow this to continue? It is about time we took the same stance as the French and prosecuted/deported anyone found guilty of such mutilation be it on females or males.
There is some argument as to whether it is due to religious or cultural beliefs, but whichever it is, it is a barbaric and unnecessary practice that should carry the same penalty as sexual assault, rape etc.

[WillowTheWhisp]

females or males?

I agree that the barbaric practice of female circumcision should be severely dealt with but it's an entirely different subject for males and in many cases for medical rather than religious reasons.

[jelly baby]

I agree with this (for males) for medical reasons, but why is it necessary for religious reasons?

[WillowTheWhisp]

That would be a question for Jews or Muslims to answer I suppose. It's symbolic of a covenant.

[Speedy]

That is truly sickening. How could anyone do that to thier children?

[kathleen_firth]

it makes me feel sick. i dont understand the reasons behind why they do it.

[shillelagh]

Proving their daughters are virgins. If they dont 'bleed' on their wedding night then the husband has the right to return the wife to her family and marry another.

[MargaretR]

I thought it was to ensure that the wife never ever got any pleasurable physical sensation from intercourse and so ensured her fidelity

[panther]

probably due to stupid religious, cultural or other non-medical reasons

[MargaretR]

Originally Posted by panther

probably due to stupid religious, cultural or other non-medical reasons

Selfish male reasons

[panther]

Originally Posted by kathleen_firth

it makes me feel sick. i dont understand the reasons behind why they do it.

Originally Posted by [email protected]

Selfish male reasons

that as well

[garinda]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

Selfish male reasons

Agreed, though it is always older women that carry out the ritual, thus allowing it to continue and flourish.

[MargaretR]

Originally Posted by garinda

Agreed, though it is always older women that carry out the ritual, thus allowing it to continue and flourish.

They prevent their daughters from experiencing the pleasure that they never experienced themselves -- misguided bigotry

[WillowTheWhisp]

Hopefully some of the current generation will not want to inflict the same pain on their children.

[grego]

Truly disgusting, shame the elders who perform this dont remember how they felt when it happened to them.