Egypt seeks tougher penalties for female circumcision

28 August 2016, 7:21 pm

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Egypt’s government says it will ask parliament to approve a draft law that would increase jail terms for those who perform female circumcision.

Female circumcision, or female genital mutilation (FGM), was banned in Egypt in 2008. But the practice involving the partial or full removal of the external sex organs, ostensibly to control women’s sexuality, remains widespread, especially in rural areas.

In Egypt, the procedure is practiced by both Muslims and Christians.

Under the current law, those who practice FGM can be sentenced to jail terms of between three months and two years.

The new bill seeks those convicted of female circumcision to be jailed for between five and seven years, a statement from the prime minister’s office says.

— AFP